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Growing demand for critical minerals brings new players to Xploration Services

With scalable camp solutions, a strong safety profile and long-standing relations with both new and returning clients, Xploration Services enters 2026 expecting one of its busiest seasons to date.

As global markets increase their demand for critical minerals to fuel the green transition, Xploration Services Greenland A/S is seeing a clear influx of new exploration companies to the country. This translates into a growing number of projects requiring the flexibility and operational reliability the company has become known for over nearly two decades.

“New clients continue to arrive, driven primarily by the rising global interest in critical minerals. Greenland is becoming increasingly attractive, which naturally creates a strong outlook for new assignments,” says Taatsi Olsen, COO of Xploration Services Greenland.”

Taatsi Olsen, COO i Xploration Services

The 2026 season is already shaping up to be significant. The company will deliver a complete 12–15 person camp for a lithium project by Brunswick Exploration, whom they have supported during early-phase work in previous years. At the same time, a sizable gold-drilling programme in North Greenland for Zawar Natural Resources is expected, building on earlier cooperation, and several additional clients are lining up — including the likelihood of renewed activity in East Greenland.

“The signs for 2026 are very positive. We clearly feel the uptick in activity and have several projects in preparation. What matters most is our ability to meet increasing safety requirements and deliver solutions of any scale depending on the client’s project phase,” says Taatsi Olsen.

The broad demand is supported by the company’s scalable model and extensive network of personnel and subcontractors.

“We can scale quickly — up or down — depending on project needs. This enables us to manage both small early-stage surveys and large, complex field operations simultaneously,” he adds.

A safety profile above industry standards

Safety remains one of the key reasons international operators choose Xploration Services for work in Greenland’s challenging Arctic conditions. The company delivers turnkey camp operations where everything from transport and facilities to safety protocols is tailored to the client’s standards, explains CEO Martin Sandy Shalmi.

“We have built our solutions to meet some of the strictest safety requirements in the industry. Clients know they get a partner who can deliver safely and efficiently — even under extreme conditions.”

Martin Sandy Shalmi, CEO i Xploration Services
This includes trained personnel, proper handling of occupational safety, and robust procedures for risk situations in the field. Over the years, Xploration Services has implemented maritime medical training, VHF certifications and enhanced polar-bear safety protocols depending on client needs.

Capacity to run multiple projects in parallel

One of the company’s core strengths is its ability to support several projects at the same time during the short Arctic field season.

“We can manage multiple concurrent operations without compromising safety or quality. That is possible thanks to our experienced teams and our flexible organisational setup,” says Taatsi Olsen.

The company has previously delivered simultaneous ship-based and land-based operations and remains one of the few Greenlandic actors capable of executing logistics, camp operations, catering, specialised manpower and safety setups under a single integrated concept.

Strong outlook for the coming years

With new companies entering Greenland, rising global demand for critical minerals and a growing project pipeline, Xploration Services expects a busy future.

“We clearly see interest in Greenland increasing, and that brings new types of projects and new types of clients. We are ready to support them,” says Taatsi Olsen.

According to the leadership team, the company’s key strength is its ability to adapt to the market and provide turnkey solutions capable of addressing complex challenges in harsh and logistically demanding environments.

“It is our flexibility, safety standards and experience that make us a trusted partner for both new and returning clients. And all indications are that the coming years will be even more active,” says Martin Sandy Shalmi.

He adds that the company also sees opportunities in the upcoming expansions of critical infrastructure and the strengthening of Greenland’s defence capabilities.

“Such projects require local companies with both local knowledge and international operational experience — companies capable of executing major assignments. That is exactly where we excel. In 2025, we supported a major construction project in Grønnedal, and we are currently part of several bids for large-scale projects across Greenland.”

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