Sermitsiaq has previously described that there is growing international commercial and political interest in starting an extraction of metals such as cobalt, copper, nickel and rare earth metals from the deep sea.
In 2024, the focus on deep-sea mining came into serious focus when Norway opened up to explore the seabed between Norway and Greenland. However, the project was later put on hold.
Pipaluk Lynge writes in his justification for introducing a ban as follows:
- Although Norway has so far put their deep-sea mining on the back burner, we must have a duty to decide whether we agree to mining in our waters or whether we protect our waters.
Mixed reception
The proposal receives mixed reception among the parties, several response notes show. Among other things, the grand coalition party Demokraatit is proposing an amendment that the Greenland Government must conduct a thorough and independent investigation of the possible consequences of deep-sea mining before a final decision is made on a possible ban:
Demokraatit writes that Greenland needs development:
- We need income, jobs and a stronger economic foundation if we are to ensure welfare, health, education and security in the future. The mineral sector can be part of that development. But it must never happen in a way that puts our nature, our marine environment or our most important industries at risk. That is why balance is important, writes Demokraatit, among other things, in its memorandum on Pipaluk Lynge's proposal.
The Greenland Government agrees
On the other hand, the Greenland Government agrees with Pipaluk Lynge:
- Greenland Government wants mining in our country, but it must be done responsibly. Therefore, Greenland Government believes that there should be clear legislation that protects the marine environment as best as possible, according to a response note from Greenland Government, which recommends that the proposal be adopted.
The response note echoes a previous statement from the then Greenland Government Minister for Raw Materials, Naaja H. Nathanielsen (IA), who stated in December 2025 that she expected to propose a ban on deep-sea mining during this election period:
- It would be problematic to ban all mining activity at sea, as it would also affect projects with glacial flour or sand extraction. But I see no reason why deep-sea mining should be allowed, Naaja H. Nathanielsen said at the time.
Pipaluk Lynge's proposal is scheduled for second reading later in the spring session. At the time of writing, it appears that the proposal will have to go through committee processing before the second reading.
