Greenland parliament moves to suspend seabed mining licensing until 2029

· Climate

Greenland's parliament has asked the government to pause licensing on seabed mining amid concerns about foreign interests in mining and potential environmental consequences for marine life. The Oct. 15 measure directed the government, called Naalakkersuisut, to present a law to the parliament, called Inatsisartut, in the near term. The move, described as a decision to decide, would hold off seabed mining until 2029 at the earliest. Greenland has drawn growing international attention for its mineral wealth, including rare earths, as demand for critical minerals rises and interest focuses on undisturbed Arctic ecosystems.

Why it matters：The pause tests whether Arctic governments can keep critical-mineral ambitions in check for ecological reasons, and it affects companies eyeing alternative supplies outside China.

Key points

  • Parliament asked the Naalakkersuisut government to bring a bill to the Inatsisartut.
  • The measure would pause seabed mining licensing until at least 2029.

Sources (original reporting)

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