Greenland’s government has delayed plans by a Texas-based oil company with links to former U.S. President Donald Trump to drill in the Arctic territory, citing missing permits and regulatory concerns. The joint venture partners, Greenland Energy Company and 80 Mile, confirmed a revised timeline targeting winter 2027 for drilling operations in the Jameson Land Basin on Greenland’s east coast.
The delay follows a formal warning issued by Greenlandic authorities to 80 Mile, a London-listed partner, for transporting drilling equipment to the island without prior approval. Greenland’s Mineral Resources Authority stated that the project’s complexity requires a more thorough regulatory review before any drilling can proceed. Jørgen T. Hammeken-Holm, Greenland’s permanent secretary for Mineral Resources, noted that the winter 2027 timeline is only “maybe” realistic, emphasizing that no drilling will occur until all necessary permissions are secured.
Greenland Energy Company, a Nasdaq-listed firm, and 80 Mile both acknowledged the delay in statements released Wednesday. Robert Price, CEO of Greenland Energy, said the company would use the additional time to refine plans and deepen relationships with local communities, authorities, and strategic partners. 80 Mile, which holds the exploration licenses through its subsidiary White Flame Energy, confirmed the licenses were granted before Greenland halted new license issuance in 2021 due to climate concerns.
The joint venture partners emphasized ongoing collaboration with regulators. 80 Mile stated in an update that it would provide further guidance on the drilling program’s timing once the permitting process advances. Greenland’s government, however, remains unconvinced by the revised schedule, with Hammeken-Holm stating it is “hard to tell” when drilling could commence.
The Jameson Land Basin has been described by Greenland Energy as a “highly prospective” area for hydrocarbon potential. The project’s exploration licenses predate Greenland’s 2021 moratorium on new oil and gas licenses, which was implemented amid growing environmental concerns. The delay reflects broader tensions between economic development and environmental protection in the Arctic region.
Greenland’s government has not indicated whether the joint venture partners will ultimately receive the necessary permits. The companies have not responded to requests for further comment beyond their public statements.