Greenland Oil Drilling Controversy
Greenland's government warns against unauthorized oil drilling by a Trump-linked US company, citing environmental and legal concerns.
January 2021
Greenland halted issuance of new oil licences in 2021
Greenland stopped issuing new oil licences. This policy change was enacted on environmental grounds.
Source ↗July 2026
Greenland Energy unloaded drilling equipment in Nunap Qeqqa
Greenland Energy unloaded drilling equipment on the east coast of Greenland. The company performed this action without prior authorization.
Source ↗Greenland government issued strong warning to Greenland Energy
The Greenland government issued a "strong warning" to Greenland Energy. The government mandated that all future logistical arrangements must be approved by the mineral resources authority.
Source ↗Greenland Energy director Roderick McIllree admitted mistake
Roderick McIllree, managing director of Greenland Energy, told Danish public broadcaster DR about the incident. He stated that the unloading of equipment was a mistake.
Source ↗August 2026
Trump floated the idea of annexing Denmark
Donald Trump floated the idea of annexing Denmark. This statement was made prior to the current controversy regarding Greenland.
Source ↗Danish official stated readiness for Greenland diplomatic talks
A Danish official stated they were ready to discuss Greenland diplomatically. This statement followed the suggestion by Trump regarding Denmark.
Source ↗Drilling materials brought ashore on Greenland's eastern coast
Materials intended for drilling were brought ashore on Greenland’s eastern coast. This occurred despite the American oil company connected to Donald Trump not having received permission from local authorities.
Source ↗Greenland issues strong warning regarding oil drilling activities
The government of Greenland issued a strong warning concerning the preparations of a Trump-linked oil firm to drill in the region. This warning was issued as the firm moved forward with its plans.
Source ↗Greenland government denies approval for exploratory drilling
The government of Greenland stated that no approval was granted for exploratory drilling. This decision was made after Greenland Energy brought equipment ashore for the drilling operation.
Source ↗Greenland government issues strong warning against unauthorized drilling
Greenland’s government issued a strong warning regarding the arrival of drilling materials. The government stated that all future logistical matters must be advised and approved by the mineral resources authority.
Source ↗Donald Trump posted on Truth Social regarding Greenland
Donald Trump made a post on Truth Social showing himself looming over a Greenlandic village. This followed the issuance of the strong warning by the Greenland government.
Source ↗Permagreen delivered equipment to Greenland's east coast
A Danish tugboat towed a cargo ship operated by Permagreen to Nerlerit Inaat on Greenland’s east coast. The ship unloaded an excavator and 15 containers of equipment before departing the following day.
Source ↗Greenland Energy Company sought oil exploration in Jameson Land
The Texas-based Greenland Energy Company hired Permagreen to deliver machinery for oil exploration in the Jameson Land region. This area is a wetland protected by the international Ramsar Convention.
Source ↗US firm Greenland Energy shipped equipment without approval
Greenland Energy, a Texas company, shipped equipment to the region. This action occurred despite a strong warning issued by Greenland.
Source ↗Greenland Energy announced $60m plan to drill two wells
Greenland Energy announced plans to spend $60 million. The purpose of this spending is to drill two wells in the Jameson Land region.
Source ↗Greenland Energy Company lacked permits for Jameson Land drilling
Greenland’s Energy Ministry issued a press release stating that the Greenland Energy Company had no permission to deliver the equipment. The company has not been granted the necessary permits to drill in Jameson Land.
Source ↗US Oil Company Brings Unapproved Drilling Equipment to Greenland
A US oil company transported unapproved drilling equipment to Greenland. This action caused high alert within Greenland.
Source ↗