Greenland has once again entered the spotlight after former US President Donald Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring or controlling the semi-autonomous Arctic territory, sparking debate and global attention. But what lies behind this interest? The answer involves a combination of untapped natural resources and strategic geopolitical positioning.
A Land Beneath the Ice: Greenland’s Hidden Wealth
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is primarily covered by an ice sheet second only to Antarctica. Beneath this icy expanse lies a hidden world filled with immense geological treasures, including colossal canyons and traces of ancient ecosystems. Among its most intriguing secrets are the ruins of a US military research base buried beneath the frozen surface in the northwest.
Minerals Critical to the 21st Century
Greenland holds an astonishing wealth of untapped mineral resources. A 2023 European Commission report identified Greenland as home to 25 of 34 “critical raw materials” essential for global industries. These include:
- Precious metals such as gold and silver.
- Battery metals like cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium—integral to the green energy revolution.
- Gemstones like olivine and rubies, according to the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources.
These resources are becoming increasingly valuable as the world transitions toward renewable energy and advanced technology.
Fossil Fuels and Environmental Concerns
Greenland also possesses reserves of coal, oil, and natural gas. Despite its resource potential, Greenland’s stance on fossil fuel extraction is cautious. After decades of largely fruitless oil exploration by major companies such as Shell and ExxonMobil, the country halted further oil projects in 2021, citing unacceptable environmental risks.
Nevertheless, the potential remains vast. The US Geological Survey estimates Greenland’s East Rift Basins Province could contain up to 31.4 billion barrels of oil.
Geopolitical Significance in a Changing Arctic
Greenland’s strategic location makes it a critical player in the Arctic’s evolving geopolitical landscape. As climate change reduces Arctic ice, new shipping routes—such as the Northwest Passage—are emerging, promising faster connections across the Northern Hemisphere. This creates a high-stakes “geopolitical chessboard” for countries like the US, Russia, and China, all vying for influence in the region.
The US already has an Arctic presence through Alaska, but further control over Greenland could provide a significant edge. However, Trump’s interest in “securing” Greenland for the US risks straining relationships with allies such as Canada, Denmark, and Norway, who also aim to limit Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
The History of US Interest in Greenland
Trump’s suggestion of purchasing Greenland isn’t as unprecedented as it might seem. After acquiring Alaska in 1867, then-Secretary of State William H. Seward expressed interest in buying Greenland and Iceland. In 1946, the Truman administration offered Denmark $100 million for Greenland, labeling it a “military necessity.”
Despite these overtures, Greenland and Denmark have consistently rejected such proposals. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Múte Bourup Egede, reinforced this stance after Trump’s comments, stating, “Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale.”
The Future of Greenland: At the Crossroads of Independence and Global Strategy
While Greenland remains a Danish territory, its people have long sought greater autonomy and independence. Trump’s remarks underscore the geopolitical and economic importance of Greenland, but they also highlight the delicate balance between local aspirations and global strategic interests.
Greenland’s rich resources and pivotal Arctic location ensure it will remain a point of fascination and contention in the years to come. However, its sovereignty and the will of its people are unlikely to be compromised, no matter the external pressures or enticing offers.