Kommune Qeqertalik is located between 67º and 70º N and covers an area of 62,400 km². The municipality has approx. 6,500 residents. In addition to the mayoral town of Aasiaat, the municipality includes the towns of Kangaatsiaq, Qasigiannguit and Qeqertarsuaq as well as eight settlements. The municipality was established in 2018 in connection with the division of Qaasuitsup Kommunia and has since had an Inuit Ataqatigiit mayor who was re-elected in 2021.
The municipality’s towns and settlements traditionally use dog sleds for hunting and study visiting. Now dog sleds are also widely used for leisure and tourism.
Interest in the geology and mineral resource potential of the area has been significant, leading to extensive oil and gas exploration in the sea and on Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island). Global interest in oil exploration has been declining over the past ten years in steps with a drop in oil prices and increased focus on the climate impact of CO2 emissions. In 2021, Naalakkersuisut decided to stop oil exploration in Greenland. Some small-scale mineral exploration projects remain in the region, particularly on Qeqertarsuaq, but none of the projects are at an advanced stage. Nationally, politicians plan to establish a hydropower plant at Qasigiannguit, which, if established, will also provide power to Aasiaat.
The municipality intends to spread out administrative units to the four towns. The wish is to create a more holistic form of administration, and the municipality is therefore prioritising an innovative and more agile organisational structure adapted to local identity, culture and cultural heritage. Moreover, emphasis is placed on business development and fisheries, education, health and prevention, infrastructure as well as development of tourism throughout the municipality.
