The Journal.
Greenland Has Tons of Minerals. So Where Are All the Miners?
Mar 20, 2025
Sune Rasmussen, a WSJ reporter, discusses the untapped mineral wealth of Greenland and the complex reasons why mining efforts have stalled. He explores the intricate balance between economic potential and environmental concerns, highlighting indigenous resistance to resource extraction. Rasmussen also dives into the geopolitics surrounding Greenland's mineral resources and how they could reshape global supply chains. With local communities grappling with mining's socio-economic implications, this conversation sheds light on a pivotal yet contentious frontier in mining.
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Quick takeaways
- Greenland holds significant mineral wealth crucial for global supply chains, yet harsh conditions and regulatory hurdles hinder mining efforts.
- Local communities are deeply divided over mining, weighing economic opportunities against the preservation of their environment and culture.
Deep dives
Greenland's Strategic Importance
Greenland's geopolitical significance is underscored by its strategic location in the Arctic, which has gained heightened attention amidst rising tensions between global superpowers, particularly the U.S. and Russia. The island is home to vast underground mineral wealth, including 43 of the 50 critical minerals deemed vital for U.S. national security. This includes rare earth minerals essential for various technological and military applications, which China currently dominates in both mining and refining. Control over these resources could provide substantial economic and defensive advantages to whoever secures them.
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