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Exploring Greenland’s Mineral Wealth
(Reuters) – Following recent remarks from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding Greenland, interest has intensified in the mineral-rich territory, which holds significant strategic value for the United States. With its unique geological characteristics, Greenland has emerged as a key area for mineral resources crucial to modern technology and energy sectors.
A recent survey conducted in 2023 indicated that a notable 25 out of 34 minerals categorized as “critical raw materials” by the European Commission can be found within Greenland’s vast terrains.
However, the extraction of oil and gas remains prohibited in the region due to environmental concerns, and the development of its mining sector faces bureaucratic hurdles as well as opposition from indigenous communities advocating for their rights and environmental protection.
Overview of Mineral Deposits
Greenland’s Mineral Resources Authority has compiled significant data regarding the territory’s principal mineral deposits. Here is an overview of the most pertinent resources:
Rare Earth Elements
In the southern Gardar province, Greenland hosts three of its largest rare earth deposits. Companies such as Critical Metals Corp, which recently acquired the Tanbreez deposit, and Energy Transition Minerals, are navigating complex legal challenges while trying to advance projects. Rare earth elements are essential for producing permanent magnets utilized in electric vehicles (EVs) and wind turbines, highlighting their importance for sustainable energy advancements.
Graphite
Graphite deposits are found in multiple locations across the island. GreenRoc has submitted an application for an exploitation license for the Amitsoq graphite project, which is set to play a pivotal role in the production of EV batteries and steel manufacturing.
Copper
Despite the presence of copper deposits, exploration efforts have been limited. The Mineral Resources Authority notes that the underexplored regions in the north-east and central-east hold particular promise. London-listed 80 Mile is focused on developing the Disko-Nuussuaq deposit, which also contains nickel, platinum, and cobalt.
Nickel
The Mineral Resources Authority states that nickel deposits are widespread yet largely unexplored. Anglo American, a prominent global mining firm, received a five-year exploration license in western Greenland in 2019, targeting nickel among other valuable minerals.
Zinc
Zinc is primarily located in northern Greenland, linked to a geological formation extending over 2,500 kilometers. Projects aimed at developing the Citronen Fjord zinc and lead mine propose to tap into what is considered one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources worldwide.
Gold
The southern regions, particularly around the Sermiligaarsuk fjord, are identified as the most promising for gold mining. Amaroq Minerals has initiated operations at a gold mine located at Mt Nalunaq in the Kujalleq Municipality.
Diamonds
Small diamonds along with larger specimens are predominantly found in the western part of the island, although there is potential for significant diamond deposits across other regions as well.
Iron Ore
Iron ore deposits are primarily situated at Isua, Itilliarsuk, and in the northern areas along the Lauge Koch Kyst, reflecting Greenland’s extensive mineral diversity.
Titanium and Vanadium
Deposits of titanium and vanadium are found throughout the southwestern, eastern, and southern parts of Greenland. Titanium’s versatility spans commercial, medical, and industrial applications, while vanadium is chiefly associated with the production of high-quality steel alloys. Vanadium pentoxide, one of the most significant compounds, serves as a catalyst in sulfuric acid manufacturing.
Tungsten
Tungsten is another valuable mineral identified across various parts of Greenland, particularly in the central east and north-east, contributing to numerous industrial applications.
Uranium
Uranium mining faced a significant setback in 2021 when the left-wing Inuit Ataqatigiit party imposed a ban, effectively halting the advancement of the Kuannersuit rare earths project, which included uranium as a byproduct.
Greenland’s vast mineral resources embody both opportunity and contention. As global demand for these critical materials continues to rise, the implications for local communities, the environment, and international geopolitics remain a crucial discussion point.
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