A Shift in Leadership at Energy Transition Minerals
Energy Transition Minerals (ETM), which holds an exploration license for Kuannersuit through Greenland Minerals, has parted ways with Svend Hardenberg, a prominent Greenlandic businessman.
In a statement to Sermitsiaq, ETM’s director, Daniel Mamadou, confirmed Hardenberg’s resignation, emphasizing his significant contributions during a pivotal time for the Kuannersuit project. “We wish him all the best,” Mamadou added.
Local Expertise
Hardenberg joined ETM as a strategic advisor in March 2024, with the mission of bolstering the company’s footprint in Greenland. His local experience and connections were expected to play a vital role in navigating the Greenlandic political landscape.
Now, following his departure, ETM has no Greenlandic advisors left. The company is currently supported by a team of distinguished figures, including Friis Arne Petersen, the former Danish ambassador to the United States, and Jeppe Kofod, a former Danish foreign minister. Additionally, the team includes Julie Bishop, a former Australian foreign minister, who recently stepped down from her role as chairman of the board at the Australian National University amid criticism.
Moreover, ETM has engaged a new advisor from the United States, Alexander B. Gray, who served as a security advisor during President Trump’s first term.
Legal Challenges Ahead
In a notable legal move, ETM has initiated a lawsuit against the municipality, asserting its right to pursue an extraction license for Kuannersuit despite the project’s current non-compliance with the 2021 uranium law. As of now, the trial remains unscheduled. During an online shareholder webinar on June 3, Mamadou expressed concerns about delays, stating that a trial might not commence until as late as October.
Additionally, the Department for Raw Materials has anticipated a decision that could deny ETM the extension of its exploration license, which would subsequently bar the company from further exploration activities in the region.
Commitment Amid Uncertainty
Mamadou assured that ETM plans to continue employing local talent for its project in Narsaq, stating, “We will maintain a local presence in Greenland, despite the uncertainty surrounding our exploration license.” He acknowledged that recent communications from the authorities have led to the suspension of planned exploration activities this summer, affecting associated local tasks.
“We’re hopeful that these issues can be resolved promptly so we can resume exploration and continue supporting local job opportunities,” he said.
In closing, Mamadou reiterated the company’s dedication to the Kuannersuit project. “We are confident in our legal standing and hope the Greenlandic government will reconsider its current position, fostering dialogue on how to move forward in a direction that aligns with our mutual business ambitions.”
The Department for Raw Materials, in response, indicated that it has submitted its first procedural filing to the High Court, with the next deadline set for August 10. Regarding ETM’s exploration permit extension, a decision is expected by the end of June.