Greenland’s Minerals: Trump vs. Reality

With lots of time for reading and research on my hands, here’s my take on Trump’s wet dream for acquiring Greenland.

Trump’s Points - Some Counter Points

Greenland has vast, rare earth mineral deposits that will make Greenlanders and the USA rich.

• While Greenland likely contains significant resources, 80% of the landmass remains geologically unassessed due to ice coverage. Review the data on the Greenland Mineral Resources webpage.

• Current quantitative data comes only from accessible coastal areas not covered by ice

• Most deposit estimates are uncertain statistical projections, not proven reserves

Mining Greenland's rare earths is straight forward

• Extreme Arctic conditions create formidable logistical challenges

• Minimal existing infrastructure (few roads, fewer ports, limited power)

• High capital costs estimated at $500 million+ for mining operations alone

US control over Greenland would enable US leadership in high-tech manufacturing

• Rare earth mining is only the first step — processing, refining and a distribution infrastructure would still be needed. Just like potatoes in North Dakota (I learned this from my fellow RVer)

• China dominates rare earth extraction, processing and supply globally, not just extraction

• US Supply chain development would take decades, not years

Current Reality on the Ground

Foreign companies and sovereign entities are already operating in Greenland, here are a couple:

• Critical Metals Corp (Tanbreez project): Majority-owned by European Lithium Limited (Austria), with 92.5% stake

• Energy Transition Minerals Ltd (Kvanefjeld project): Australian company (ASX: ETM) with significant Chinese ownership through Shenghe Resources

• These and others have existing contracts with Greenland's government

The Questions

If the US acquired Greenland, who will adjudicate the existing business agreements between foreign corporations, and the sovereign entities already operating in Greenland?

This raises unprecedented questions about:

• Validity of mining licenses under a new sovereign authority

• Investment protection under international law

• Treatment of Chinese-linked investments under US foreign investment review

• Rights of European, Australian and Chinese companies with long-standing permits

The Answers

Legal uncertainty requiring renegotiation, potential arbitration, and likely years of litigation. Of course, any coercive scenario would create complete legal chaos and international legal challenges.

Obviously, Trump Corp is out of its league.