French nuclear company Orano has confirmed reports last month that Greenland has granted it two permits to conduct exploration work on uranium deposits in two zones, in the southeast and the southwest of the country.

The first exploration work will begin this year to analyse and assess the potential of each zone. Orano said the work does not pose any risks with regard to the preservation of natural ecosystems of Greenland.

The work will consist of geophysical measurements taken from the sky and field observations accompanied by surface samples taken by the group's geologists.

When this phase is complete an environmental impact study will be carried out, along with more advanced assessments of the mineral potential of the zones. This will help Orano determine the feasibility of mining the deposits.