Prof G Markets Why Trump Wants Greenland
157 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Gracelyn Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at CSIS, dives into the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth minerals. She highlights how these resources are vital for U.S. national security amid China's dominance. Gracelyn also discusses the practical challenges of mining in Greenland, including infrastructure hurdles and community opposition. She emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions over military action while assessing the geopolitical landscape. Ed Elson rounds out the conversation by exploring California's proposed billionaire wealth tax and its implications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Greenland's Rare Earth Strategic Value
- Greenland matters because of its rare earth deposits, especially heavy rare earths essential for defense tech.
- The U.S. lacks heavy rare earth processing and must secure external sources to reduce dependence on China.
Practical Barriers To Mining Development
- Mining in Greenland faces big non-geological hurdles: tiny infrastructure, huge energy needs, and social opposition.
- Policy volatility, like uranium bans, further complicates extracting rare earths tied to radioactive byproducts.
Mining Timelines Are Decades Long
- Developing Greenland's mining sector is a long-term project, not a quick fix like Venezuelan oil.
- Globally, average time from discovery to extraction is ~18 years, and in the U.S. it's ~29 years.
