Local entrepreneur: The mining industry creates growth and jobs in South Greenland

The Qaqortoq-based company 60North Greenland specializes in servicing the mineral industry in South Greenland, for example by setting up camps or taking drill samples in the field. – We get some coordinates, a direction, slope and depth, and then we take care of all the logistics of renting a ship, drilling equipment and crew, and then we deliver the core samples to the mining company, says Malik Vahl Rasmussen, who took over the management of the company in May 2025 after his father Rasmus Rasmussen, who started 60North Greenland in 2014.

From 45 to 100 employees

The company currently has 45 permanent employees. But right now they already have work assignments for 100 employees for the summer.

– The vast majority of employees are local - maybe 95 percent. Of course, we also have to bring in a few specialists from outside, for example drillers, but then we always ask them to bring a local with them and show them how they will solve the task, so there is some learning in that. I think there is a responsibility in being a large workplace in a small community, says Malik Vahl Rasmussen.

Social responsibility

Malik Vahl Rasmussen is very keen to involve local young people in business.

–· Perhaps a vocational school or a dormitory can be established in Qaqortoq, and if we can help to uplift and help the young people in the town, we would be happy to do so. I feel that it is a duty that comes with it.

In addition, 60North Greenland has a close collaboration with the other companies in Qaqortoq. – We know all the different companies and people in the town, and can quickly find a solution to an acute problem.

– We try to uplift each other and think more long-term.

Tanbreez is the largest customer

One of the companies that has contributed many tasks to 60North Greenland over the years is the Australian company Tanbreez, which has a mining license for Killavaat Alannguat.

– I've known Malik since he was so tall, says Tanbreez CEO Greg Barnes, waving his hand about a meter above the floor.

– We provide the services that Greg asks us to provide, and those tasks have been incredibly important to us for 19 years. In the first many years, it was my father who was the CEO, but today Tanbreez is still our largest customer, says Malik Vahl Rasmussen.

Local companies have important knowledge

For Tanbreez, it is absolutely crucial that 60North Greenland is a local company with a permanent crew that knows the area and understands the wind and weather.

– Occasionally I have been told that something cannot be done, either because it is impossible, unsafe or dangerous. The local companies have important knowledge and understanding that you need to listen to as a mineral resources company, says Greg Barnes.

– The mining industry is the alpha and omega of South Greenland. It is of great importance to all of us local companies. Our fishing has declined, and tourists come primarily in the summer, so we need the mining companies, says Malik Vahl Rasmussen.