On 16 October, the Greenlandic Parliament unanimously voted to ban deep-sea mineral extraction after US President Donald Trump announced large-scale exploration for mineral deposits on the island. The resolution mandates that the Greenlandic government introduce regulations that will remain in effect until the end of 2029, with possible two-year extensions.
Lawmakers aim to protect the marine environment and fish welfare, as fishing is vital to Greenland’s economy. Trump stated on social media that “large-scale” oil and gas exploration is underway in Greenland, but did not clarify if seabed extraction was included. He emphasised the territory’s importance to US and European security, referencing a recent security agreement between the US, Denmark, and Greenland.
Despite interest in mineral extraction, Greenland has limited mining activity because of harsh Arctic conditions and inadequate infrastructure. The Greenlandic government has not issued new licenses since 2021. Greenland Energy, an American company with an oil-production permit, has yet to start drilling because it has not received approvals.
Trump’s announcements faced opposition from Ittoqqortoormiit residents, who are concerned about impacts on local natural resources, including Arctic musk oxen, which are hunted under regulated permits.
