Kuannersuit Project
Unlocking rare earths for a secure and sustainable future
About the Project
Located in southern Greenland, Kuannersuit (Kvanefjeld) is one of the largest and most accessible deposits of rare earths globally. Its unique geology, proximity to an ice-free harbor, and favorable infrastructure potential make it ideal for low-cost, large-scale production. Since 2007, Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) have conducted extensive research and invested in understanding both the mineral deposit and the surrounding environment and community.
This knowledge has allowed the mining project to be designed in a way that minimizes ecological and social impact, while adhering to Greenlandic and best-practice international standards.
News
Tribunal clarifies jurisdiction and sets path forward for Kvanefjeld case
Arbitration was initiated in March 2022 by Greenland Minerals A/S (“GM”) against the Governments of Greenland and Denmark under the arbitration agreement contained in GM’s exploration licence. This was because the Government of Greenland had informed GM in December 2021
ETM takes step to advance the handling of the Kuannersuit case
Energy Transition Minerals Ltd. (ETM) has today sent a letter to the High Court of Greenland requesting the withdrawal of the case against the Danish Government, so that the case against Naalakkersuisut can proceed directly to the handling of the
Timeline
This timeline highlights the key milestones from ETM’s decades of conducting extensive research and investments in understanding both the mineral deposit and the surrounding environment and community.
Where are we now?
In 2021, the Government of Greenland introduced legislation banning certain mining activities involving uranium (the Uranium Act), and the Government of Greenland has since used this Uranium Act to stop the Kuannersuit Project from progressing to the exploitation stage. Legally the exploration licence also grants ETM a right to have an exploitation licence issued to commence mining operations, when/if (1) a commercially exploitable mineral deposit is discovered and delimited, (2) ETM declares its intent to the authorities that it wishes to exploit this mineral deposit, and (3) ETM has complied with its obligations under the exploration licence (primarily payment for exploration and payment of licence fees to Greenland). At the same time, the Government of Greenland has denied paying any compensation to ETM. The Government’s move away from the basic principle of rule of law raises concerns about regulatory certainty for future investment in Greenland.
The consequences are real. Greenland has currently stopped the creation of a large number of jobs in Greenland. Further, with the mining project, Greenland would stand to receive tax and royalty revenues amounting to approx. US $22.8 billion total – which equates to more than US $400,000 for every member of the population of Greenland. Thus, Greenland has for now chosen not to pursue the jobs and wealth associated with the Kuannersuit Project. As a result, the world is unable to access the largest new supply of rare earths, leaving China as the dominant global supplier. Lastly, confidence in Greenland’s resource sector is being undermined at a time when global competition for strategic raw materials is intensifying. A failure to fully uphold the rule of law, which is generally expected in Greenland, could have an impact on investor confidence in the country as a whole. A way forward is still possible. ETM remains committed to constructive dialogue and believe that common ground can be found if the will is present among all parties involved.
In October 2025 the Arbitral Tribunal has claimed partial jurisdiction and the case will now continue at the courts. The arbitration will be stayed pending the outcome of the court proceedings, and the tribunal may resume the arbitration upon request by a party after the court proceedings are concluded. ETM is confident that the case will have a positive outcome in the appropriate forum and views the recent decision as a positive step that allows the process to move forward.
Read the latest press releases
Most Asked Questions about the Kuannersuit Project
Why is the Kuannersuit Project important?
- The Kuannersuit Project can create long-term economic value for Greenland through jobs, skills, infrastructure investment, and royalties. The tax and royalty revenue for Greenland would amount to approx. US $22.8 billion – more than US $400,000 for every member of the population of Greenland.
- On a larger scale, the Project would supply a significant share of global rare earth demand to accelerate renewable energy and electrification, and provide the West with a chance at independence from China’s rare earth minerals. Rare earth elements are essential to modern technology, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, and smartphones. While China currently produces 95% of the world’s REEs, Europe is exploring sustainable solutions to secure its own supply chain.
Which rare earth minerals will be extracted?
- Steenstrupine, sphalerite, villiaumit teenstrupine – primary host of rare earth elements (REEs) and also contains uranium.
- Sphalerite – primary zinc (Zn) mineral
- Villiaumite – contains fluoride
- Fluorspar – naturally occurring mineral composed of calcium fluorid
What does the Project mean for Greenland?
- The Kuannersuit Project will not only create jobs, it will also provide training and skill development opportunities for Greenlandic workers. This contributes to a stronger and more specialized workforce.
- The tax and royalty revenue of the Project would amount to approx. US $22.8 billion in total – more than US $400,000 for every member of the population of Greenland.
What are the benefits for the local community in Narsaq?
- The Kuannersuit Project includes investments in new infrastructure such as a port, road connections, and housing. This means better access to supplies, improved transportation, and job opportunities for the local community.
- The Kuannersuit Project is expected to create over 300 direct jobs in Narsaq. In addition, indirect jobs in related businesses will further support economic growth in the region.
- Energy Transition Minerals is committed to hiring locally and offering training programs to ensure meaningful and long-term employment for the community.
Who is Energy Transition Minerals?
- Energy Transition Minerals Ltd. (previously GME and Greenland Minerals Ltd.) is an Australia-based exploration and development company focused on developing mineral projects globally. The Company manages exploration projects in Western Europe, North America and Greenland.
- Energy Transition Minerals have extensive experience from exploration projects like The Villasrubias Project in Spain and the Good Setting and Solo Projects located in James Bay, Canada.
Most Asked Questions about environment and health
How has the project addressed health and safety?
- The Kuannersuit project has been developed in full compliance with the strict environmental regulations set by the Greenlandic Government. A comprehensive environmental assessment has documented that the project can proceed without significant harm to the surroundings.
- Studies show that the impact on air, water, and biodiversity will be minimal and remain within strict international limits. The environmental assessment for Kuannersuit includes extensive measures to safeguard wildlife and vegetation. The project is designed to minimize its impact on Greenland’s unique Arctic environment.
- To protect the local community, modern dust control systems are in place to prevent particles from spreading to Narsaq and surrounding areas. Air quality will be continuously monitored to ensure compliance with regulatory limits.
- Concerns about drinking water contamination in Narsaq have been thoroughly addressed through comprehensive hydrogeological studies. Investigations confirm that there is no connection between the tailings area in Taseq and Narsaq’s drinking water supply.
Which environmental assessments has been made?
- The environmental assessment for Kuannersuit includes extensive measures to safeguard wildlife and vegetation. The project is designed to minimize its impact on Greenland’s unique Arctic environment.
- Concerns about drinking water contamination in Narsaq have been thoroughly addressed through comprehensive hydrogeological studies. Investigations confirm that there is no connection between the tailings area in Taseq and Narsaq’s drinking water supply.
- Once mining operations conclude, the Kuannersuit area will be restored to its natural state, with tailings securely covered and vegetation re-established. This ensures that the landscape is preserved for future generations.
Most Asked Questions about uranium and responsibility
Does The Kuannersuit deposit contain uranium?
Natural occurring radionuclides, such as uranium and thorium, are present in all soils and rocks. The Kuannersuit deposit contains uranium at a low concentration of approximately 300 ppm uranium and 800 ppm thorium. Over time natural processes, such as glaciation and wind and water erosion, have dispersed uranium and thorium into the surrounding environment, including the Narsaq valley. Safety analyses show that radiation levels of mining in Kuannersuit will remain below internationally accepted thresholds.
Is the ore radioactive?
- Just like in other rare earth mines, the ore at Kuannersuit is mildly radioactive due to the presence of uranium and thorium. Weather conditions have already dispersed uranium and thorium into the surrounding environment, including the Narsaq Valley and local fjords. This contributes to the elevated levels of natural background radiation in the project area.
- Safety analyses show that radiation levels of mining in Kuannersuit will remain below internationally accepted thresholds.
Is it safe for the local community in terms of radiation?
- As a result of the composition of the underground, radiation exposure among local residents in Narsaq is naturally higher than the normal level worldwide, but it nevertheless remains well within safe limits. Radiation occurs naturally all over the globe, and we are all exposed in our daily lives. We are exposed through radiation from the ground, food, and radio waves, or through daily activities.
- Energy Transition Minerals engaged world-class independent consultants to study the radiation impact on people and the environment that the Kuannersuit project would cause. This study examined all possible ways in which increased radiation could arise from project activities in the short or long term. This included radiation exposure from the consumption of food and water and from walking in the vicinity of the mining area. The results show that radiation levels of mining in Kuannersuit will remain below internationally accepted thresholds. The local community is therefore not at risk.
How will the materials be handled in a responsible way?
- All tailings from mining operations will be stored in a controlled tailings facility designed to withstand extreme weather events and earthquakes. The facility will be built according to internationally recognized safety standards.
- Safety analyses show that radiation levels of mining in Kuannersuit will remain below internationally accepted thresholds. Extensive control measures have been implemented to protect both people and the environment.
