Financial Crime World

Greenland’s Uranium Mining Ban Vote: A Divided Coalition

Closely Contested Vote Results in Lifting of Ban

COPENHAGEN - In a closely contested vote, Greenland’s government has lifted its ban on uranium mining, with 15 votes in favor and 13 against. The decision was pushed by the Democratic Siumut party, which rose to power seven months ago with promises to revisit the ban and increase royalty payments.

Background on the Ban

The ban, introduced in 1988, prohibited the export of radioactive materials from Greenland. However, the recent government formed in 2016 is a coalition of both “pro” and “against” uranium mining parties. Only one party, Siumut, voted in favor of lifting the ban.

Debate Surrounding Uranium Mining

The debate surrounding uranium mining has been ongoing for years, with some advocating for single referendums or parliamentary votes each time a license to mine radioactive minerals is considered. Others propose legislation based on radiation levels from extracted minerals.

Indigenous Peoples’ Rights

Greenland’s mining sector has historically employed only around 110 people and generated a turnover of DKK 95 million in 2014, compared to DKK 353.3 million in 2008.

  • Two international instruments have been adopted: the International Labour Office Convention No.169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
  • The ILO Convention No.169 aims to improve working and living conditions worldwide and has been ratified by Denmark, including Greenland. It emphasizes consultation and participation as key issues in matters affecting Indigenous peoples’ rights.
  • The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is considered a more specialized and comprehensive instrument for protecting Indigenous peoples’ rights.

What’s Next?

The lifting of the uranium mining ban in Greenland has sparked debate about the potential environmental and health impacts of radioactive mineral extraction. As the government moves forward with implementing the new framework, concerns about consultation and participation will be closely monitored.

Sources:

  • Gunter, S. (2015). “Greenland’s New Government Aims to Lift Uranium Mining Ban.”
  • Oneal, J. (2017). “Greenland Passes Bill to Allow Uranium Exportation.”
  • The Local DK. (2016). “Greenland’s Government Formed: What Does It Mean for Uranium Mining?”
  • Pedersen, T. (2016). “Uranium Mining in Greenland: A Complex Issue.”