What Minerals Greenland Holds That US Is Keen to Explore?

Greenland, the world’s largest island, has increasingly found itself at the centre of global debate over critical minerals, supply chain security and Arctic geopolitics, even though large-scale mining on the territory remains limited.

Geological surveys show Greenland hosts a wide range of minerals deemed essential for modern economies, including rare earth elements, graphite, zinc, gold and titanium. Yet translating that potential into production has proved difficult, constrained by environmental protections, infrastructure challenges and political opposition, particularly around uranium-linked projects.

A 2023 assessment by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland found that 25 of the 34 materials classified as “critical raw materials” by the European Union are present in Greenland. These include rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, zinc and titanium. Separate analysis by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence suggests that roughly 43 of the 50 minerals considered critical by the United States could occur on the island, based on known geology. Analysts stress, however, that geological presence does not automatically mean commercial viability.

Substantial in-ground resources

Rare earth elements have drawn the most attention. Greenland’s most significant deposits lie in the southern Gardar Province, where projects such as Tanbreez and Kuannersuit rank among the world’s largest undeveloped rare earth resources. These deposits contain magnet metals such as neodymium and dysprosium, used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and defence technologies.

Estimates of Greenland’s rare earth potential vary widely. Academic research indicates the island hosts substantial in-ground resources, but production scenarios depend on mine development, processing capacity and regulatory approval. Kuannersuit, in particular, has been stalled since Greenland banned uranium mining in 2021, as uranium would be produced as a by-product alongside rare earths.

Beyond rare earths, Greenland has attracted interest for its graphite deposits, which occur widely in southern and western regions. Projects such as Amitsoq, led by GreenRoc Mining, target high-grade natural graphite used in electric vehicle batteries and steelmaking. Industry analysts say Greenland’s graphite quality compares favourably with deposits elsewhere, though projects remain at an early stage.

Copper and nickel prospects are found mainly in underexplored areas of northeast and central-east Greenland. According to Greenland’s mining authorities, many of these occurrences have seen limited drilling. The Disko–Nuussuaq area, which hosts copper, nickel, cobalt and platinum-group metals, is regarded as one of the island’s most strategically relevant polymetallic prospects.

Citronen Fjord Project

Zinc is concentrated in northern Greenland, notably at the Citronen Fjord project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped zinc deposits. Despite its scale, development has stalled for years due to financing and logistical hurdles. Gold exploration has seen more progress. In southern Greenland, Amaroq Minerals has begun mining at Nalunaq, marking the island’s first modern commercial gold operation and signalling renewed investor interest.

Greenland also hosts deposits of titanium and vanadium in its south-west and south-east, minerals used in aerospace, steel alloys and medical applications. Diamonds and iron ore occur across western and north-western Greenland, including sites such as Isua and Itilliarsuk, though none are currently producing at scale.

Uranium remains the most politically sensitive resource. Greenland’s 2021 ban on uranium mining effectively halted projects where uranium is present, shaping perceptions of regulatory risk among investors. Supporters of the ban cite environmental and social concerns, while critics argue it limits development of rare earth projects critical to Western supply chains.

As governments seek alternatives to China-dominated mineral supply routes, Greenland’s resource base has taken on strategic significance. For now, analysts say, policy decisions, environmental approvals and infrastructure investment — rather than geology — will determine whether the island becomes a meaningful supplier of critical minerals to global markets.

  earth, Greenland, minerals, Rare