ETM Welcomes Notable Advisors Amid Controversy
Former Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and ex-diplomat Friis Arne Petersen have joined the advisory board of Energy Transition Minerals (ETM), an Australian company embroiled in a legal battle against Greenland’s self-government. This development has raised eyebrows, with political and environmental figures voicing strong opinions.
In a statement, Naaja H. Nathanielsen, Greenland’s Minister for Business, Raw Materials, Energy, Justice, and Equality, emphasized the implications of their roles. “They will represent the company’s interests and should be prepared to stand by its actions,” she remarked, urging caution regarding future statements made by Kofod and Petersen about Greenland or the ongoing legal dispute.
Setting the Scene for Rare Earth Extraction
ETM, holding an exploration license for the Kuannersuit project near Narsaq, aims to navigate its relationship with Greenlandic and Danish stakeholders more effectively. The advisory board, according to the company’s official communication, is tasked with offering strategic counsel focused particularly on the Kuannersuit project—a critical site for rare earth minerals.
In his first comments as a board member, Kofod asserted the potential of the Kuannersuit initiative to generate lasting value for Greenland. “This project could foster job creation, infrastructure development, and increased economic independence for the region,” he said. However, he stressed the necessity for trust and mutual understanding among all parties involved, advocating for an open dialogue that respects local concerns.
Diplomatic Insights on Development
Petersen echoed Kofod’s sentiments, underscoring the significant local and global implications of responsibly extracting rare earth minerals. As a former ambassador to the United States, China, and Germany, Petersen pointed out the strategic value these resources hold for the global transition to greener technologies. “When developed with transparency and in collaboration with the local community, such projects can cater to both local needs and broader societal interests,” he explained.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
ETM’s Managing Director, Daniel Mamadou, expressed optimism about the company’s legal situation. “We believe we have a strong case to pursue, as our project has been unjustly stalled,” he declared. The ongoing arbitration proceedings have recently revealed that the question of mineral rights at Kuannersuit cannot be adjudicated in that arena, and the Danish state has been excluded from the case.
As ETM seeks redress through the High Court of Greenland and the Copenhagen District Court, they continue to demand an exploitation permit or substantial financial compensation of 80 billion kroner.
A Challenging Reception
The appointment of Kofod and Petersen has not gone unnoticed by environmental advocates. Niels Henrik Hooge of the organization NOAH expressed fierce criticism, calling their involvement “incomprehensible.” He accused them of compromising their reputations by associating with ETM, which, according to him, has manipulated the Greenlandic public for over a decade. “After the Kuannersuit project faced closure on health and environmental grounds in 2021, ETM’s lawsuit against the government was little more than harassment,” he asserted. “It’s troubling that two prominent figures would lend their names to a sinking ship.”
As ETM navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of their advisory board’s composition and ongoing legal challenges will surely continue to spark debate and scrutiny in Greenland and beyond.