Greenland: The Rare Earths Dilemma

Sun Jan 11 2026 16:33:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Could Greenland's rich resources be the answer to the U.S.'s reliance on China's rare earth materials? Experts weigh in on the challenges of mining in the Arctic.

Despite its treasure trove of rare earth elements, Greenland's harsh environment poses significant challenges for mining operations. President Trump's geopolitical focus on Greenland may overshadow practical solutions for America's supply issues. Industry experts emphasize the need to consider more viable mining opportunities elsewhere, as Greenland's resources remain largely untapped and difficult to extract.

Greenland’s extreme environment and lack of infrastructure present major hurdles in extracting the highly sought-after rare earth elements (REE) necessary for modern technologies. With rising tensions over global supply chains, especially concerning China, President Trump's interest in the region intensifies the spotlight on its potential resources.

Trump asserts that controlling Greenland could mitigate U.S. dependence on China for these critical materials, especially after tariffs imposed on Chinese goods last year led to a significant reduction in their availability. However, experts question the feasibility of such a mining endeavor due to the island's remoteness and environmental concerns.

Many mining companies have initiated exploratory operations but have yet to develop effective methods for extracting over 1.5 million tons of rare earths entombed in complex rock formations. Environmental advocates also caution about the ecological risks associated with mining operations in such a fragile landscape.

Furthermore, the race for critical minerals may be misdirected towards Greenland instead of focusing on more accessible and economically viable projects already underway in other regions, such as the U.S., Africa, and Australia. In light of these challenges, both policymakers and industry leaders must rethink strategies to secure a stable supply of rare earth elements without compromising economic and environmental standards.