According to Sermitsiaq, Jørgen T. Hammeken-Holm, head of Greenland’s Department of Mineral Resources, considers it natural that Greenland Energy Company and 80 Mile have begun logistical preparations for two planned exploratory wells at Nunap Qeqqa, or Jameson Land.
Hammeken-Holm told the newspaper that the companies have yet to receive authorization to land drilling equipment or begin drilling. However, he acknowledged that preparations for an operation of this scale must begin well in advance.
He described the drilling program as a relatively large operation in a remote area where replacement parts and supplies cannot be obtained locally. The companies are free to pack and ship equipment toward Greenland, he said, provided it remains aboard until the required approvals have been issued.
His comments provide important context as Stampede Drilling prepares the rig and the companies advance plans for two wells during the second half of 2026.
Rig Rebuilt and Commissioned
In a July 27 regulatory announcement, 80 Mile said preparations for the fully funded two well campaign were well advanced.
The company said the Stampede Drilling rig had recently been rebuilt and commissioned ahead of being placed into containers and loaded aboard an equipment ship bound for Greenland.
80 Mile also reported holding high level talks with regulatory and oversight bodies in Nuuk during the previous week. The company said it was pleased with the status of permitting and the support shown for the Jameson project.
Stampede Drilling separately published a photograph of the rig under the heading “Greenland Bound,” saying extensive work had gone into preparing the equipment for the operation ahead.
The Canadian company has entered into a five year contract with Greenland Energy Company and 80 Mile to provide technical expertise and personnel for the Jameson Land drilling program.
Sermitsiaq reported that drilling is planned for the first two weeks of October. Greenland Energy Company previously indicated that the rig would be transported in September through Montreal, Nuuk and Iceland before reaching the project area.
Landing Approval Remains Outstanding
Hammeken-Holm told Sermitsiaq that no current permission has been issued to land the equipment.
The companies previously held an approval connected with equipment collected from Dundas, but that authorization has expired.
His comments establish a clear division between logistical preparation and regulated activity at the project site. Equipment can be prepared, containerized and transported toward Greenland. Bringing it ashore and beginning drilling require separate approvals.
Concerns have been raised in Ittoqqortoormiit and on social media that equipment could be landed before permission is granted. Hammeken-Holm expressed confidence that the companies would follow instructions from the authorities.
He added that the government possesses strong powers to stop unauthorized activity. Failure to comply with official requirements and conditions could ultimately place the license at risk.
Hammeken-Holm was describing Greenland’s enforcement authority rather than alleging that either company has committed a violation. His comments place the current work within a normal permitting process: the companies are preparing a complex remote operation while Greenland’s authorities complete their review.
With the rig rebuilt and logistics advancing, the Jameson Land program is moving closer to operational readiness.
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