Activists demand stricter oversight of mining companies in Greenland

Environmental organizations from Greenland, Denmark and Australia have issued a joint call for stronger regulation of foreign mining companies operating in Greenland, warning of environmental, legal and democratic concerns surrounding uranium and rare earth extraction projects.

The press release, issued on June 15 by NOAH (Friends of the Earth Denmark), Uranì Naamik–Nuuk, and the Australian Conservation Foundation, centers on the controversial Kuannersuit (Kvanefjeld) mining project in southern Greenland, operated by the Australian company Energy Transition Minerals (ETM).

The Kuannersuit project has been the subject of political and legal contention in Greenland for years. ETM is currently suing the governments of Greenland and Denmark for €10 billion in compensation after Greenlandic authorities rejected parts of its mining application, citing environmental concerns. The company’s legal demand is nearly four times the size of Greenland’s entire GDP.

“This is a company that for four years has tried to force a mine on a population that clearly does not want it,” said Erik Jensen from Uranì Naamik. “The plans have been illegal for four years, and they should have stopped then.”

Environmentalists argue that uranium mining at the site could have catastrophic consequences. Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation stated that “the environmental and social risks from uranium mining are significant and long lasting. Communities must have the right to say no.”

ETM has drawn further criticism for appointing former Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop as a strategic advisor. According to the press release, Bishop has reportedly lobbied U.S. authorities to support the project—a move opponents argue undermines Greenland’s sovereignty and democratic process.

“ETM is trying to influence political decision-making in Greenland by lobbying in Washington,” said the organizations in the statement. “This behavior raises concerns over transparency and fairness.”

Palle Bendsen, campaigner at NOAH, emphasized that Greenland’s existing legal framework has failed to adequately control foreign actors seeking access to its mineral resources.

“There are clear shortcomings in the licensing and follow-up processes of authorities,” Bendsen said, adding that a recent acquisition of a Greenlandic mining company—currently under complaint at Nasdaq—further illustrates the lack of proper oversight.

The organizations are calling for Denmark and Greenland to strengthen legislation and enforcement mechanisms for mining operations, particularly those involving radioactive materials.

“This is not just about one mine,” said Sweeney. “It’s about the right of Greenlanders to decide what happens on their land—and to protect their environment for future generations.”