Donald Trump has made clear he covets Greenland. Now he claims to have secured the framework of a future deal, to address defence on the island - a deal that he says includes rights to rare earth minerals.
So what natural resources does Greenland have?
Greenland is believed to sit on top of large reserves of oil and natural gas. It is also said to be home to the vast majority of raw materials considered crucial for electronics, green energy and other strategic and military technologies – to which Trump has been pushing to secure America's access.
Overall, 25 of 34 minerals deemed critical raw materials by the European Commission are found in Greenland, including graphite, niobium and titanium, according to the 2023 Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland's strategic importance is not just about defence, Senator Ted Cruz said at a Senate hearing last year about the potential acquisition of Greenland, pointing to the island's vast reserves of rare earth elements.
Trump has sometimes downplayed the importance of those resources, citing rising Russian and Chinese influence in the region to justify his claims that the US has to have the island, stating, I want Greenland for security - I don't want it for anything else. He noted the challenges of exploring in the Arctic region.
Nonetheless, access to the island's natural resources has remained a key consideration for his administration's geopolitical strategy. Trump's interest in Greenland is primarily about ensuring access to these resources and countering China's dominance in the rare earths market, according to experts.
Even before Trump's second term, the US had been strengthening ties with Greenland, including reopening its consulate in Nuuk in 2020 to respond to Russian and Chinese military presence in the Arctic. Since then, allies have increased discussion about the island's resources and its role in areas such as shipping routes and strategic military operations.
The Trump administration recently backed a mining project in Greenland with $120 million in financing, further illustrating the US's intent to secure access to critical minerals that are essential for defense and energy applications.
However, critics argue that the necessity for US control over the resources is unclear, highlighting the complexities of mining in Greenland due to high costs, severe weather, and a limited workforce. Although there are numerous exploration permits, only two mining operations currently exist, raising questions about the viability of large-scale mineral extraction.
As climate change continues to transform the landscape of Greenland, some believe the melting ice may provide new opportunities for hydro power and mining, potentially making extraction more accessible. However, many still view Greenland's mineral wealth as largely untapped potential amidst ongoing geopolitical maneuvering.
