Inquiry debate on deep-sea mining EM2025/96

Inatsisartut (the Parliament of Greenland) will soon hold an inquiry debate on deep-sea mining (EM2025/96). This debate will influence the further political discussion on activities in deep-ocean areas and on the balance between business development and environmental considerations. Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat (ONKN) welcomes this initiative. We have previously called for a clear political position on this issue, and it is therefore encouraging that a debate has now been scheduled for 4 February.

We also note with satisfaction that Naalakkersuisoq (the Minister) for Minerals, Naaja Nathanielsen, has stated to the press:

“I expect to propose a ban on deep-sea mining during this election period. (…) I see no reason why deep-sea mining should be permitted. Partly based on the precautionary principle, as we do not know what we risk destroying with this type of mining. And partly because we have plenty of activities on land and are therefore not dependent on activities in deep water.” (Sermitsiaq, 2 December 2025).

As a Greenlandic environmental organisation working for healthy oceans and the sustainable use of marine living resources, ONKN fully supports a moratorium on deep-sea mining in Greenlandic waters. We urge all political parties to support this.

 

An opportunity for Greenlandic leadership

With Norway’s recent decision to abandon deep-sea mining during the current government term, and with the ongoing international disagreement over the ISA’s regulatory framework, Greenland now finds itself in a unique position to take Arctic leadership on this issue. By introducing a moratorium, Greenland would send a clear signal that we prioritize long-term sustainability and the precautionary principle – and that we will not allow the geopolitical interests of major powers to dictate our future. As Pipaluk Lynge asks in her submission to the inquiry debate:

“Do we want to put our marine areas at risk because other countries want deep-sea mining and we choose not to restrict it?

Do we want mining activities in our waters without having knowledge of how this may affect the food chain and what changes it could cause for marine species?”

This is an area where Greenland can lead both nationally and internationally, demonstrating responsible Arctic leadership.

 

Why is this important?

Deep-sea mining is a high-risk industry that some countries wish to initiate, and it can inflict irreversible damage on vulnerable ecosystems. Arctic marine areas are among the most fragile in the world, and science underscores that we still know far too little about the consequences. New research shows, among other things, that sediment plumes from deep-sea mining can have major negative effects on phytoplankton, and thereby on the entire food web. As Christian Keldsen, CEO of the Greenland Business Association, points out, the fishing industry is the backbone of our economy (Sermitsiaq, 10 December 2025). The fishing industry is not only Greenland’s most important sector – it is the foundation of our economic independence and depends on a healthy marine environment. Protecting the ocean is therefore a question of Greenland’s future marine environment, economy, and livelihoods.

Review of the DCE report

ONKN is in the process of reviewing DCE’s scientific report “Marine Mining in Greenland – A strategic assessment of potential impacts” (2025). The report on marine mining in Greenland was commissioned by the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut). Our preliminary analysis points to the following key issues:

• The report provides an initial overview – but contains significant gaps if it is to meet international standards for strategic environmental assessments
• It partly relies on assumptions from the Norwegian strategic environmental assessment, which several stakeholders have pointed out contains major shortcomings and uncertainties
• East Greenland is excluded, even though the Norwegian areas of interest are connected to the same oceanographic structures
• There are substantial knowledge gaps regarding impacts on the seabed and ecosystems – including plankton, pelagic fish, and marine mammals
• New research is continually pointing to serious negative consequences, which underscores the need for precaution

 

Recommendations

To protect Greenland’s marine environment, safeguard the fishing industry as the economic backbone, and demonstrate Greenlandic leadership in the Arctic, ONKN recommends that Naalakkersuisut (the Government of Greenland):

• Introduce a moratorium on deep-sea mining in Greenlandic waters
• Apply a precautionary approach in line with international standards
• Prioritize research and mapping of deep-sea ecosystems, and finalize the seabed executive order
• Carefully weigh marine mining against fisheries interests before any decisions are made
• Use this decision to position Greenland as an Arctic leader in sustainable ocean management

We encourage Naalakkersuisut and Inatsisartut to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the issue ahead of the inquiry debate. The DCE report provides an initial overview, but contains significant shortcomings and should not stand alone as a basis for decision-making. Therefore, precaution is warranted, and the fishing industry – Greenland’s economic backbone – must be given high priority.

ONKN is ready to support knowledge sharing and dialogue with Naalakkersuisut, including on relevant scientific research, international experience, and the interactions between deep-sea mining, ecosystems, and fisheries.

ONKN looks forward to constructive dialogue and cooperation, so that future decisions can be made on the basis of the best available science.

Best regards,

Jenseeraq Poulsen

 

Executive Director, Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat

E-mail: jenseeraq@oceansnorth.gl / contact@oceansnorth.gl

Mobile: +299 483467