Greenland & Ukraine: Two countries, one challenge

In a research article, Associate Professor Javier Arnaut from Ilisimatusarfik, together with fellow researchers Volodymyr Byba, Larisa Zhukova and Natalia Pinchuk, highlights how mining plays a crucial role in the economies of both Greenland and Ukraine.

In the spring of 2023, Volodymyr Byba guest lectured at Ilisimatusarfik as part of our collaboration with National University Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic in Ukraine - you can read more about it on our website.

The article sheds light on the paradox faced by many resource-rich countries: How do you balance economic growth with environmental concerns?

Mining as an engine for growth

For years, Ukraine has exploited its vast coal and iron ore reserves - raw materials that both meet its own needs and generate export revenue.

This has created jobs and contributed to infrastructure development, but has also come at a high environmental cost.

Greenland is on the threshold of a similar development.

Greenland's underground holds vast amounts of minerals and potential oil deposits, but still lacks the necessary infrastructure and faces major environmental considerations.

Environment, technology & responsibility

Both countries face a common challenge: the extraction of resources inevitably causes environmental impacts.

Therefore, the researchers are exploring how new technologies and better management strategies can reduce the damage and promote a more sustainable approach to mining.

The article draws on research from both Ukrainian and international experts who have analyzed how best to manage natural resources during global and national crises.

A war-torn reality & Greenlandic opportunities

A particular focus of the study is how Ukraine handles raw material extraction in the midst of a war situation - and what this means for both the economy and society.

At the same time, the article highlights how Greenland can learn from Ukraine's experience, not least when it comes to risk management and the development of effective management models.

Sustainability as a common goal

The researchers behind the article point out that although Ukraine and Greenland are very different in geography and history, they face many of the same questions.

How do you ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of future generations? 

How do you create jobs without undermining nature?

The article calls for an open and responsible debate on the future of raw materials policy - and to develop new strategies to ensure a more sustainable future for both countries.

You can download and read the full article here.

For more information about the article - just contact Associate Professor Javier Arnaut.