Greenland, the world's largest island, has emerged as a focal point in global geopolitics, drawing interest from major economies due to its untapped resource potential. Notably, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed a keen interest in acquiring the Arctic territory, citing strategic interests for national security and global freedom. This announcement has sparked significant international discourse, as Greenland's natural resources are believed to include 20% to 25% of the planet's remaining extractable resources. Meanwhile, China maintains dominance over the critical minerals supply chain, controlling approximately 60% of the world's production of rare earth minerals.
The U.S. military already holds a strategic presence in Greenland through the Pituffik Space Base in the northwest region. However, Trump's assertion of possibly using military or economic force to incorporate Greenland into the U.S. has been met with staunch resistance. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede firmly stated that the island "is not for sale" and called upon the international community to respect its aspirations for independence. Echoing this sentiment, Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament representing Greenland, described Trump's comments as "disrespectful."
Europe, too, has shown interest in Greenland's untapped potential. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Nuuk, Greenland's capital, to open an EU office, signaling the continent's intent to strengthen ties with the island. A 2023 survey highlighted Greenland's significant resource potential by evaluating 38 raw materials, most of which possess high or moderate potential for extraction.
Roderick McIllree, executive director of the U.K.-based mining company 80 Mile, has spent over two decades working in Greenland and views its resource potential as an "enormous opportunity." He remarked, "I think that what we're seeing in Greenland is really a race for what's left," emphasizing the strategic value this holds for nations vying for resources. McIllree also posited that closer ties with the U.S. could facilitate investment in Greenland's mining industry and potentially aid in the island's pursuit of independence.
Despite America's strategic interest, it has struggled to find American investors willing to commit to Greenland's resource sector. Chemnitz noted that while there is willingness on Greenland's part to engage with American investors, they remain elusive. She stated, "We've been looking for American investors, [but] we haven't found them, so they are quite welcome."
Greenland's allure is not merely an American or European interest; its raw materials are crucial to the EU economy as well. Jakob Kløve Keiding highlighted this by stating, "Many of these are of great importance for the EU economy and, of course, it is not limited to just Europe. Many of these are also on the list of American [critical raw materials]."
"Overall, we can say that there is a huge potential for critical raw materials [in Greenland]," – Jakob Kløve Keiding
Waltz offered insight into America's stance on Greenland by stating that this interest is about re-establishing America's influence in the Western Hemisphere. He mentioned this move aligns with the 'America First' agenda and likened it to "Monroe Doctrine 2.0."
"This is about reintroducing America in the Western Hemisphere," – Waltz
"You can call it Monroe Doctrine 2.0, but this is all part of the 'America First' agenda." – Waltz
The geopolitical tug-of-war over Greenland is rooted in its vast natural resources and strategic position in the Arctic. The island's untapped potential presents opportunities and challenges for its local government and global powers interested in its development. McIllree believes that if Greenland capitalizes on these opportunities wisely, it could pave the way for its independence.
"If Greenland play their cards right, this will lead to their independence," – Roderick McIllree