Jeppe Kofod Joins Energy Transition Minerals Advisory Board
Jeppe Kofod, the former Foreign Minister of Denmark, has stepped into a new role as a member of the advisory board for the Australian company Energy Transition Minerals (ETM). In this capacity, Kofod aims to leverage his extensive experience in international cooperation and energy policy to foster dialogue and build trust surrounding Greenland’s potential contributions to the global green transition.
“I firmly believe that sustainable resource extraction—when managed responsibly—can significantly advance Greenland’s development, bolster the green energy transition, and aid in combating climate change,” Kofod shared in a written statement to Sermitsiaq.
Since leaving the Danish Parliament, where he served from 1998 to 2022, Kofod has taken on various roles, including a brief return as a deputy in 2023. He faced lingering scrutiny from an assault case dating back to 2008, which affected his political trajectory. Following his exit from the Folketing, Kofod established Kofod Global, a communications and advisory firm that reported a positive annual result in early 2024, demonstrating his successful transition into the private sector. Moreover, he confirmed to the media outlet Zetland that one of his clients is The Metals Company, which is advocating for deep-sea mining initiatives.
Focused on Greenland’s Future
In his advisory position with ETM, Kofod is particularly focused on the Kuannersuit project currently embroiled in legal disputes with Greenlandic authorities. He believes his insights can help ensure these projects are carried out responsibly and transparently, ultimately benefiting Greenland.
“My role primarily involves advising ETM on how to foster open and respectful dialogues with both Greenlandic and Danish stakeholders,” he explained. “I hope to apply my expertise in green politics and international relations to ensure developments benefit both Greenland and the global community, which increasingly seeks critical minerals for energy security and sustainable practices.”
While Kofod’s role entails compensation, details regarding his remuneration have not been disclosed.
Clearing the Air on Legal Involvement
The advisory board’s actions occur against the backdrop of an ongoing legal case, where ETM seeks exploitation rights for Kuannersuit, or alternatively, could face a hefty compensation bill of DKK 76 billion. However, Kofod has clarified that he doesn’t have a direct role in this legal matter.
“It is essential that the case is addressed by the appropriate and independent bodies,” he emphasized. “My primary focus is on fostering better communication between all parties involved and finding reasonable solutions that promote mutual progress.”
Criticism and Counterarguments
Nonetheless, Kofod’s collaboration with ETM has drawn criticism from environmentalists. The organization NOAH voiced their disdain on the grounds that his involvement could undermine Greenland’s self-governance efforts.
In response, Kofod echoed a commitment to transparency, stating, “I understand there are strong opinions about this issue, but I don’t share that viewpoint. I joined this endeavor because I am convinced that cooperation and open dialogue are vital for finding solutions.”
Concerns have also been raised about potential conflicts arising from Kofod’s connections to the Danish government. Addressing this, he emphasized that he no longer holds any political position and participates in ETM’s advisory board solely as a private individual. “My mission is to use my experience to bridge gaps and foster understanding. Strengthening the relationship between Greenland and Denmark is crucial for both parties,” he concluded.
To clarify, the State Ministry has confirmed that it did not play any role in the selection of members for ETM’s advisory board.