Field activities proposed to restart at ETM’s flagship Kvanefjeld rare earths project in Greenland

Experienced contractor Quesnel Bros signs on for drilling after a competitive tender

An application has gone to the Mineral Licence and Safety Authority and local talks are “constructive”

Special Report: With more than a decade under its belt in minerals-rich Greenland, rare earths explorer Energy Transition Minerals will return to its flagship Kvanefjeld project in a $10 million exploration program slated to begin in May.

Releasing the exploration update, the company said an application for field activities has been submitted to the Mineral Licence and Safety Authority in Greenland, with up to 7600m of drilling planned.

“We are pleased to have secured a highly experienced leadership team and contractors, many of whom are returning to Kvanefjeld,” ETM MD Daniel Mamadou said. 

A helicopter-supported exploration drilling program on its Exploration Licence MEL 2010/02 is planned within the south and west portions of the Ilimaussaq Intrusive Complex, which hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped critical mineral deposits.

The 2026 exploration program will focus on high-priority zones identified at Zone 3 and Sorensen, and is designed to allow Energy Transition Minerals (ASX:ETM) to assess future mine planning, logistics and development benefits. Drilling is also planned across adjacent deposits that have been historically under-explored. 

Rock-solid contractors

ETM has secured leading drilling and support contractors with extensive experience in Greenland, and specifically at the Kvanefjeld REE deposit. 

Drilling will be undertaken using a Hydracore 2000 diamond drilling rig provided and operated by Quesnel Bros. 

Quesnel Bros’ contract win followed a competitive tender process and marks an important step in exploration at Kvanefjeld as they bring high-latitude experience, a strong safety record, and proven capability in complex operating environments, ETM said. 

In addition to drilling, an airborne magnetic, radiometric and VLF survey is planned over the entire intrusive complex, using the latest technologies and covering a tighter line spacing. 

“Further updates will be provided as mobilisation and drilling commence,” Mamadou said.

Exploration licence pending

The project has been assessed as technically and financially viable under past studies, making it ready to go as soon as a licence is granted by the Greenland government.

The renewal of the Kvanefjeld exploration licence is expected to be finalised shortly, according to ETM.

But the community needs to be wooed and past political opposition conquered, prompting ETM to host what it said was a “constructive and open dialogue” with local residents in March before exploration resumes. 

Listening to locals

With the community still wary of development, the town hall meeting in Narsaq included a question-and-answer session on plans for environmental management and protections, including the presence of uranium in the deposit, which has been a past flashpoint.

Economic benefits were touted as including long-term jobs for skilled workers and training for locals, contracts in construction, transport and services to support exploration, as well as significant financial contributions through taxes and royalties.

“ETM is prioritising strong community engagement in Greenland as we commence this exploration program,” Mamadou, said, committing to providing regular updates on activities at Kuannersuit. 

“Having operated in Greenland for more than a decade, we value the input of local residents and remain committed to open, constructive dialogue with the Narsaq community,” he said.

“We are equally committed to contributing to local economic development, including creating employment opportunities for Narsaq residents as project activities ramp up.”

ETM confirmed previous in-depth studies indicate radiation levels at the site were comparable to the natural background radiation found in this part of Greenland, which is reflected in the project design to minimise potential impact and meet stringent standards.

This article was developed in collaboration with Energy Transition Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.