President Donald Trump said Wednesday that large-scale oil, gas and mineral exploration was expected to begin in Greenland, while linking the island’s location and resources to U.S. and European security. He did not specify when exploration would start or how it would proceed.
Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licenses in 2021, citing environmental and climate concerns. Some licenses granted earlier remain valid, but drilling requires further government approvals. Although the island is thought to have substantial untapped oil and gas resources, commercially recoverable reserves have not been established.
Trump’s remarks follow a security agreement signed last month by the United States, Denmark and Greenland. The arrangement expands U.S. military access to the Arctic island, subject to consultation and other procedures. It also limits military installations by non-NATO countries and provides safeguards concerning foreign investment in sensitive areas, including natural resources and infrastructure.
The agreement does not give the United States sovereignty over Greenland. The island is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland manages many domestic matters, including mineral resources, while Denmark retains responsibility for foreign, defense and security policy.
Trump did not immediately provide further details about the proposed exploration. The source report said the White House had been contacted for comment.
