Greenland's Rare-Earth Race Raises Strategic and Environmental Stakes

Greenland has moved to the center of a global push for critical minerals as rare earth deposits there attract strategic investment and diplomatic scrutiny.

The island’s geographic importance and long-standing U.S. military presence have combined with renewed interest in technology metals—17 elements essential for high-performance magnets, electric motors, precision electronics, and medical and renewable-energy systems. China still dominates production and processing, but Greenland projects such as the Tanbreez development and a pilot facility near Qaqortoq aim to supply Western markets, with proponents targeting large-scale output by the mid-2020s.

Greenlandic leaders stress self-determination and reject sale of territory, while Copenhagen and Washington pursue cooperative extraction and infrastructure plans. Domestic constraints remain: the Kvanefjeld deposit is entangled with a 2021 uranium ban, environmental concerns persist, and mining could reshape Greenland’s fiscal ties with Denmark.

The unfolding supply-chain race has heightened tensions among allies and underscored tradeoffs between security, local livelihoods, and environmental protection. Expanding processing capacity, vetting investment partners, and developing rare-earth-free technologies are emerging priorities for those seeking to reduce geopolitical risk while meeting growing demand.