The High Court of Greenland has decided which Greenlandic defendants are to remain in the proceedings between Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) and the Government of Greenland and others. The case is now ready to move forward and could be scheduled already in 2027. ETM is pleased with the outcome and is looking forward to the next steps.
The High Court of Greenland decided that all defendants except the Greenlandic Parliament and the Self-Government of Greenland will remain parties to the proceedings.
This comes despite that the defendants had argued that the case against all other parties than Naalakkersuisut itself should be dismissed. The court did not agree and instead agreed predominantly with ETM. ETM welcomes the outcome and says the legal case concerning the Kuannersuit Project has moved another step forward.
The decision from the court resolves the final outstanding procedural issue, meaning that the case is now ready to move forward to consideration of the substantive issues. The court has further indicated that the matter could be scheduled for hearing as early as autumn 2027 or the first half of 2028. ETM remains fully committed to progressing this matter without delay.
Daniel Mamadou, Managing Director of ETM, said:
“We are pleased with this decision. However, this isn’t a moment for celebration: Kuannersuit should be a mine today, creating jobs in Greenland and supplying rare earths that Europe needs. Instead we remain in litigation. That delay carries a real cost to Greenland’s economy and to Europe’s supply chain ambitions.
After years of dealing with procedural objections from the defendants, we hope the case will now move to the merits phase, with the court indicating that a hearing could take place from autumn 2027. We have always been confident in the strength of our claims and are now closer than ever to obtaining a substantive determination. We will see this through and remain fully committed to pursuing our rights in respect of the Kuannersuit Project.”
ETM has consistently pushed for progress in the case. The company has already presented its substantive case and is now waiting for the other parties to respond. ETM is therefore pleased that with this procedural issue resolved, and with a possible hearing date in autumn of 2027 the focus can increasingly shift to the substance of the case and ultimately a decision by the Court.
Evolving debate in Greenland about the current framework
The decision comes at a time when the debate around mining and economic development in Greenland appears to be evolving.
There is increasing attention on where future revenues, jobs and economic growth will come from, and on the role Greenland’s significant mineral resources could play in supporting the country’s long-term development. Major mining projects are therefore becoming an increasingly relevant part of the wider economic discussion, and some have questioned the current restrictive rules and irregular practices from the Greenlandic government and authorities.
Daniel Mamadou said:
“We see a very important discussion taking place in Greenland about future revenues, jobs and economic opportunities. We believe responsible development of Greenland’s mineral resources can be part of that future.
“Our ambition remains to see Kuannersuit developed and operating so that its potential can translate into jobs, economic activity and long-term benefits for Greenlandic society. We believe this project can make a meaningful contribution to Greenland’s future, and we remain committed to making that possible.”