Greenland possesses vast reserves of rare earth minerals, estimated to potentially supply global demand for the next 115 years, prompting renewed interest in their extraction, particularly in light of former President Trump's past expressions of interest in securing these resources. The potential for large-scale mining operations in southern Greenland, however, has raised concerns among local communities who fear the impact on their traditional livelihoods.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of 17 metallic elements crucial for manufacturing a wide range of high-tech products, including smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and defense systems. These elements, while not necessarily "rare" in terms of their abundance in the Earth's crust, are often found in low concentrations and are difficult to extract and process economically. The primary REEs of interest in Greenland include neodymium and praseodymium, essential components in permanent magnets used in electric motors and generators. Dysprosium and terbium, also found in Greenland, are critical for high-performance magnets that operate at high temperatures.

Al Jazeera reported in 2021 that residents of southern Greenland expressed apprehension about the potential environmental consequences of large-scale mining. Their concerns center on the potential for water contamination from mining waste, the disruption of traditional hunting and fishing grounds, and the overall impact on the pristine Arctic environment. "Our way of life is tied to the land and the sea," one resident told Al Jazeera, fearing that mining would destroy their cultural heritage.

The global demand for REEs is projected to increase significantly in the coming years, driven by the growing adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. China currently dominates the global REE market, controlling a significant portion of both production and processing. This dominance has raised concerns in other countries, including the United States, about supply chain security and the potential for geopolitical leverage.

Trump's previous interest in Greenland's mineral wealth, including a reported offer to purchase the island in 2019, underscored the strategic importance of these resources. While the offer was rejected by Denmark, which governs Greenland, it highlighted the growing awareness of Greenland's potential to become a major player in the global REE market.

The current status of mining projects in Greenland is complex. Several companies have explored potential mining sites, but development has been hampered by environmental regulations, social concerns, and the challenges of operating in a remote Arctic environment. The Greenland government faces the challenge of balancing the potential economic benefits of mining with the need to protect the environment and the interests of local communities. Future developments will likely depend on technological advancements in mining and processing techniques, as well as the ability to address environmental and social concerns effectively.