Trump’s oil company begins drilling in Greenland without consulting authorities
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
American oil company Greenland Energy, linked to the inner circle of US President Donald Trump, is preparing to begin drilling in Greenland — even though the island's government has not granted permission for it, according to The Guardian.
It is known that the company has already delivered some equipment to the island's eastern coast, prompting a strong warning from the Greenlandic government. Authorities have emphasized that no permit for landing the equipment was granted.
The Greenlandic government stated that all future logistical matters must be coordinated and approved by the Mineral Resources Authority before implementation.
Greenland Energy plans to conduct exploration in the Jameson Land area. Company management claims that beneath this territory may lie oil reserves worth approximately $1 trillion. The company plans to spend $60 million on exploratory drilling of two wells.
Greenland halted the issuance of new oil licenses in 2021 due to environmental risks. However, the British company 80 Mile had previously acquired exploration rights in Jameson Land.
According to Greenland Energy's corporate documents, the American company is to acquire a controlling stake in the project in exchange for funding the exploration. To begin drilling, it still requires government authorization.
What is the connection to Trump
Greenland Energy was established in Texas last year. The company brought in Phil McGraw, known as Dr Phil, who previously served on Trump's Commission on Religious Freedom.
Additionally, the board of directors of Greenland Energy includes a US Navy veteran who is working on the Golden Dome missile defense system. Trump himself has previously stated that control over Greenland is absolutely vital to the US.
Greenland Energy CEO Larry Suetts has stated that the oil project is not connected to US plans to annex Greenland.
At the same time, the Guardian notes that the American president continues to assert territorial claims over the island. Against this backdrop, Greenland's decision on drilling permits may carry additional political weight.
When drilling is planned
Initially, the company plans to drill one well. A representative of Greenland Energy stated that a vessel carrying approximately 300 containers of drilling equipment is scheduled to depart from Canada on September 12.
Drilling is planned to commence in October.
The permit application is currently under review. The Greenlandic government has stated that demanding the immediate removal of the equipment already delivered would be disproportionate.
According to The Guardian, the planned wells may lie within a protected area designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Recall that recently, Trump's associates responded that his threats regarding the annexation of Greenland and the possible use of military force had been misinterpreted in Europe.
The US president began speaking about seizing the island shortly after the operation in Venezuela. However, this has angered Europe, which has begun pressuring Washington by any means to prevent it from happening.
