Why a U.S. oil firm set up drilling gear in Greenland without permission
U.S.-based oil company Greenland Energy is preparing to drill for oil in Greenland, having moved drilling equipment to the island’s east coast.
In recent months, the semi-autonomous Arctic island of Greenland has defended itself against a potential threat from a U.S. oil company. U.S.-based oil company Greenland Energy is preparing to drill for oil in Greenland's East Coast without the necessary permission. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Scott Clancy, a former NORAD director of operations, stated that the company's action sends a clear message to Greenland and its neighboring Denmark that they plan to proceed with the drilling regardless of approval.
The company is targeting the Jameson Land Basin, a vast, underexplored conventional hydrocarbon basin in eastern Greenland. While Greenland Energy does not possess an oil license to operate in Greenland, it is planning to collaborate with a UK company, 80 Mile PLC, which has a permit. However, the Greenland Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued a strong warning on July 30, asserting that future logistical matters must be notified and approved by the Mineral Resources Authority before being carried out.
The firm claimed that their permitting process is ongoing and that waiting for permits before initiating logistical preparations would delay operations and risk losing valuable time within Greenland's limited operating season. Despite the potential for conflict, the likelihood of a U.S. invasion of Greenland remains low, as the U.S. and NATO have a strong military relationship.
However, Clancy suggested that the U.S. might resort to other coercive measures to achieve its goals.
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