Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has become a focal point of global attention due to its vast mineral wealth and strategic Arctic location. Following renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to seize the island, Denmark has deployed additional troops there. Despite Trump later withdrawing a tariff threat against eight European nations opposing his stance, tensions between the United States and Europe over Greenland remain high. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials, while China and Russia are closely monitoring the situation.

A 2023 survey found that 25 of the 34 critical raw materials listed by the European Commission exist in Greenland, including one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits in the southern Gardar province. These minerals are vital for green energy technologies and defense industries. However, environmental restrictions, bureaucratic hurdles, and opposition from indigenous communities have slowed development. Greenland’s mineral potential positions it as a key player in global supply chains for electric vehicles and renewable energy, but sustainable extraction and careful governance will be essential to avoid social and ecological conflict.