Greenland’s Hidden Mineral Wealth: A Story of Promise and Challenge
More than a decade ago, Canadian miners in western Greenland stumbled upon a massive white hump on the horizon. Initially called White Mountain, it turned out to be a vast deposit of anorthosite, a salt-and-pepper-colored mineral used in paints, glass fibers, flame retardants, and other industries. This mineral is even responsible for the ghostly glow on the Moon’s surface. Stretching several miles long and wide—and possibly just as deep—this discovery sparked hope for a mineral bonanza in one of the most remote places on Earth. Yet, as Bent Olsvig Jensen, managing director of Lumina Sustainable Materials, the company mining the area, noted, turning this deposit into profit is no easy feat. The Arctic environment poses fierce challenges: blizzards ground helicopters, pack ice blocks ships, and temperatures plummet to -40°F, making hydraulic fluids as thick as butter. Sitting in Lumina’s modest Nuuk offices, Jensen brings a dose of realism to the excitement surrounding Greenland’s mineral potential. Despite dozens of exploratory projects, only two mines are active: his and a small gold operation.
The Strategic Importance of Greenland’s Minerals
Greenland’s recent surge into global headlines began when former President Donald Trump expressed interest in the United States acquiring the island. The reason? Its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, critical for high-tech industries and a growing source of geopolitical competition. China currently dominates the global supply of these minerals and has restricted exports to the U.S., prompting the Trump administration to seek alternative sources. The European Union has also joined the race, signing deals with Rwanda to secure critical minerals. For Greenland, this attention is both flattering and fraught with challenges. The island is believed to hold 31 of the 34 materials deemed critical by the EU, including lithium and titanium. Yet, the obstacles to extraction are immense: Greenland has fewer than 100 miles of roads, a population of just 56,000, and limited infrastructure.
The Environmental and Social Dilemma
Greenlanders are torn between the economic promise of mining and the need to protect their pristine environment. Many see mining as a path to independence from Denmark, which has financially supported Greenland for centuries. However, the island’s ruling party, Inuit Ataqatigiit, won office on an environmentalist platform and has already shut down several promising projects. Climate change, which is warming the Arctic four times faster than the rest of the world, adds another layer of complexity. While it may make minerals more accessible, it also threatens Greenland’s delicate ecosystems and way of life. For Ellen Kristensen, an environmentalist in southern Greenland, the land is not just a resource but an identity. “We have lived with nature for as long as we have been here, in sustainable ways,” she said. Her community successfully blocked a rare earth mine near Narsaq, fearing radioactive contamination from uranium found in the deposits.
A History of Mining Struggles and Abandoned Dreams
Greenland’s mining history is a patchwork of failed projects and unfulfilled promises. A ruby mine near the east coast closed in 2022 due to financial troubles, and the government abandoned its oil ambitions over environmental and economic concerns. Even the search for diamonds has yet to yield a commercially viable mine. The Danes, who controlled Greenland for over 300 years, extracted cryolite and coal, but many Greenlanders feel they were exploited. Today, the remnants of these projects litter the landscape, serving as cautionary tales. A rare earth mine in southern Greenland, once hailed as one of the world’s largest deposits, was halted by opposition over uranium contamination fears. The company, Energy Transition Minerals, has spent over $100 million and is now embroiled in legal battles.
Global Players and the Race for Resources
The interest in Greenland’s minerals has attracted global players, from tech billionaires like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos to political figures like JD Vance and Howard Lutnick. China, too, has made moves, investing in joint ventures and promoting itself as a polar power. President Xi Jinping has championed a “Silk Road on Ice,” a network of Arctic shipping routes and investments. However, none of China’s ventures in Greenland have succeeded yet, hampered by stalled production and financial strain. The Trump administration, eager to counter China’s influence, has taken a aggressive approach, even sending advisers like Tom Dans to explore investment opportunities. Yet, as Dans noted, “There’s no quick buck” in Greenland’s mineral sector.
The Future of Greenland’s Mineral Wealth
As Greenland prepares for its March 11 elections, the debate over mining, independence, and environmental protection is heating up. For many Greenlanders, the question is not whether to mine, but how to do it responsibly. Eldur Olafsson, CEO of Amaroq Minerals, which operates the island’s only gold mine, emphasized the need for self-sufficiency in energy, supplies, and transportation. “Operating in Greenland is unlike anything else,” he said. Jørgen Boassen, a Trump ally and local bricklayer, believes the island’s future lies in partnering with the U.S., but others remain skeptical. The struggle to balance economic ambition with environmental stewardship will shape Greenland’s future. Whether it can become a model for sustainable mining or another cautionary tale remains to be seen.