Greenland, the world's largest island, has become a focal point of international interest due to its significant resource potential and strategic location. As an autonomous Danish territory, Greenland is home to vast deposits of critical raw materials, including rare earth minerals. Both the United States and the European Union have expressed interest in the island's resources, while Greenland's leaders maintain that the territory is not for sale.
The U.S. currently maintains a permanent presence in northwest Greenland at the Pituffik Space Base. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland, describing it as an "absolute necessity" for national security and freedom. This interest is not only driven by the island's strategic location but also by its resource potential. The United States seeks to diversify its sources of rare earth minerals, with China currently accounting for approximately 60% of the world's supply.
"This is about reintroducing America in the Western Hemisphere," – Waltz
"You can call it Monroe Doctrine 2.0, but this is all part of the 'America First' agenda." – Waltz
Greenland's resource potential is substantial. A 2023 survey evaluated 38 raw materials on the island, with many showing high or moderate potential. Jakob Kløve Keiding highlighted this potential, emphasizing its importance to both American and European economies.
"Overall, we can say that there is a huge potential for critical raw materials [in Greenland]," – Jakob Kløve Keiding
"Many of these are of great importance for the EU economy and, of course, it is not limited to just Europe. Many of these are also on the list of American [critical raw materials]," – Jakob Kløve Keiding
Despite Trump's ambitions, Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has made it clear that the territory is not for sale. This sentiment was echoed by Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament, who described Trump's comments as "disrespectful."
"I'm not concerned. I think that some people in Greenland are quite concerned, but I think it is important for us to say that Greenland is not for sale, never has been for sale [and] never will be for sale," – Aaja Chemnitz
The European Union has also shown interest in Greenland's resources. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the island last March, highlighting the EU's investment in clean energy, critical raw materials, and skills through two cooperation agreements.
While Greenland's leaders have expressed openness to collaboration with the U.S., they insist on clear and specific goals for such partnerships. Michael Waltz emphasized the importance of natural resources and critical minerals in this context.
"This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources," – Michael Waltz
Mining companies have taken notice of Greenland's potential as well. One such company, 80 Mile, has been working in Greenland for over two decades and currently has three projects actively developing on the island. Roderick McIllree regarded this as an enormous opportunity for Greenland.
"Now, if that's right, that's an enormous opportunity for Greenland." – Roderick McIllree
Greenland's rich reserves of rare earth minerals have made it a key player in global resource politics. As a result, both American and European interests are vying for a stake in its wealth. However, as Chemnitz pointed out, while Greenland welcomes foreign investment in its resources, it remains adamant about preserving its autonomy.
"If we look at extraction, for example, of rare earths. This is something that we have been willing to do for a very long time. We've been looking for American investors, [but] we haven't found them, so they are quite welcome," – Chemnitz
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