Greenland warns Trump-linked firm over unauthorised Arctic drilling gear

The Story in Brief

Greenland's government has issued a strong warning after a Texas oil company with links to US President Donald Trump's circle moved drilling equipment ashore in the remote Jameson Land region without approval. Greenland Energy, set up last year, unloaded about a dozen containers after a tug and barge arrived. The government said all future logistical moves must be approved in advance. Greenland stopped issuing new oil licences in 2021 on environmental grounds. The company has claimed up to $1 trillion in crude could lie beneath Jameson Land and plans to spend $60 million on drilling, now reduced to one well from two.

The Guardian reports Greenland Energy plans to take a majority stake in the project held by UK firm 80 Mile in exchange for financing. The company requires local permission before drilling. A vessel with 300 containers is due to leave Canada on September 12, with drilling expected in October. The government said removing the equipment would not be proportionate and a permit application is pending. The dispute comes as Trump presses for US control of Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland's leaders reject.