News Article: The costs of Mining in Greenland

This article, in the Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa, discusses the real costs of mines for local communities in Greenland and looks to Canada for experience.

Canadian mines in areas with indigenous peoples have created jobs and prosperity for over 100 years. At the same time, there are  consequences for the environment and for the way of life the indigenous people have had for centuries.

REXSAC researcher Arn Keeling raises the challenges as to whether roads and infrastructure are potentially harmful to traditional resources such as reindeer, fish and marine mammals. Keeling talks about the large amounts of environmentally harmful waste, which requires proper storage, treatment and environmental monitoring long after the mine has ceased to be active.  Keeling also questions who should pay when the mining companies are gone.

Understanding the costs and benefits in Canada is a way for Greenland to gain knowledge when public hearings are held on new mines. Read the entire Danish article here.

Photo:  Adamie Delisle Alaku

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