Local Leaders Demand Engagement in Resource Development Projects
In a compelling open letter sent last April, Hans Brønlund, the chairman of the local committee in Ittoqqortoormiit, reached out to both the Naalakkersuisut and leaders of two major resource companies: the American-based Greenland Energy Company, which holds three licenses for oil exploration in Jameson Land, and Canada’s Greenland Resources, responsible for development in Malmbjerget.
Brønlund’s message was clear: the interests of local residents must be prioritized. He emphasizes the pressing need for recognition of “fundamental rights and a fair share of the values” derived from these resource projects. “The local population has been overlooked in the consultation process,” he stated, lamenting that no hearings have been conducted in their native language.
Photo: Private
According to local committee chairman Hans Brønlund, the projects do not involve the locals, who now demand respect for “fundamental rights and a fair share of the values.”
Crucial Demands for Community Benefits
In his letter, Brønlund outlined a comprehensive list of demands he believes should be incorporated into future agreements between the local government, the municipal authorities, and the resource companies—known as Impact Benefit Agreements (IBAs). Among these requests are provisions for a new primary school in Ittoqqortoormiit, an annual local development fund of at least three million kroner, and the creation of a deep-water quay.
Brønlund also called for the modernization of local infrastructure, including prioritized access to clean water, the installation of flush toilets in every home, and funding for a new hospital, a facility for the elderly, and an indoor boat workshop. Additionally, he stressed that local citizens should be granted preferential job rights and access to the healthcare services provided by the mineral companies.
Photo: Carl Oscar Scott
Member of Inatsisartut for Naleraq, Mette Arqe-Hammeken, has raised various questions regarding the oil projects in Jameson Land.
Scrutiny from Local Legislators
Following Brønlund’s letter, Mette Arqe-Hammeken, a member of the Inatsisartut representing Naleraq, has submitted a series of probing questions to the Naalakkersuisut regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of oil exploration and extraction in Jameson Land. She is particularly interested in understanding the cleanup responsibilities post-exploration, the strength of regulations to protect the environment and local community, and whether the government could halt projects with significant adverse impacts.
Acknowledgment from Naalakkersuisut
Múte B. Egede, the Naalakkersuisut minister responsible for foreign affairs, business, and raw materials, has yet to address Arqe-Hammeken’s inquiries directly. However, he did acknowledge in a recent press release the importance of the community’s concerns, emphasizing local infrastructure needs, enhancing local value creation, and ensuring community involvement in resource projects.
“I commend the citizens of Ittoqqortoormiit for their active engagement at the recent community meeting,” Egede stated. “It is vital for the Naalakkersuisut to listen to and involve local communities in developing raw material projects that directly affect their daily lives.”
Early Stages of Resource Projects
Egede further clarified that both Greenland Resources’ Malmbjerget initiative and Greenland Energy’s exploration efforts in Jameson Land are still in the initial phases, with environmental impact assessments yet to be made publicly available. Decisions concerning the IBA agreements between the self-government, municipality, and companies, which dictate how these projects might benefit local communities, have still to be finalized.
“The feedback from the citizens of Ittoqqortoormiit will play a crucial role in the ongoing discussions,” he added.
Environmental Considerations
In an additional statement, Jørgen Rosbach, the minister for Environment, Nature, Energy, and Research, assured that all projects will comply with current regulations and established processes. He stressed that any exploratory drilling in Jameson Land will necessitate a thorough environmental assessment, given the area’s unique and sensitive ecosystem. This process will include public consultations and expert reviews to evaluate potential environmental impacts.
The media outlet Danwatch is currently reporting from Ittoqqortoormiit, stating that the Greenland Energy Company is set to host a community meeting on Wednesday at 19:30 to address local concerns.