Greenland issues ‘strong warning’ as Trump-linked oil firm prepares to drill

by | Aug 8, 2026 | Top Stories

Greenland issues ‘strong warning’ as Trump-linked oil firm prepares to drill

Greenland Energy, a Texas-based oil company established recently, has begun moving drilling equipment to Greenland’s eastern coast in preparation for exploration in the Jameson Land region, despite not receiving authorization from local authorities. The company, which has executives with connections to Donald Trump’s circle, claims that approximately $1 trillion in crude oil reserves may exist beneath the area and has announced plans to invest $60 million in drilling two exploratory wells.

Greenland’s government responded by issuing a formal statement emphasizing that all logistical operations must be approved by the mineral resources authority before implementation. The statement noted that the equipment delivery occurred without proper authorization and indicated that an application for drilling permission was still under review. Officials stated it would not be proportionate to demand removal of the already-landed equipment.

The drilling initiative involves a complex corporate structure in which Greenland Energy plans to acquire a majority stake in an existing exploration project previously held by a UK-based firm called 80 Mile, which had secured rights to the region before Greenland halted the issuance of new oil licenses in 2021 due to environmental concerns. The Jameson Land location where drilling is planned appears to fall within a wetland conservation area protected under international agreements.

The company has assembled a notable team that includes Dr Phil, the former television personality, contracted to produce a documentary series, and a former US Navy officer involved in defense planning. Company leadership has maintained that the oil exploration project is separate from broader discussions about American involvement in Greenland. Recent communications from the company indicated constructive meetings with Greenlandic authorities and suggested that the plan had been modified to begin with a single exploratory well. Equipment delivery from Canada was scheduled to commence later this month, with drilling anticipated to begin in October.

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