2 - Mining in Greenland Flashcards
Resource nationalism https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/05/greenland-mining-energy-transition-minerals-environmental-laws-uranium-rare-earth-toxic-waste-investor-state-dispute-settlement-isds-aoe
What is special about the Kvanefjeld Mine?
it’s one of the world’s largest undeveloped deposits of rare earth elements (REEs) and uranium, located near the town of Narsaq.
What high-demand minerals are in Greenland? (2013)
Uranium: One of the top 10 largest deposits in the world.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Greenland may hold 10% of global reserves; some deposits could meet 20% of world demand.
What is the complicated history with Denmark? (2013)
Greenland has autonomy over natural resources (since 2009) but Denmark controls foreign, monetary, and defense policy.
What is one source of global interest? How is Greenland responding? (2013)
China dominates REE supply globally (95% of production), so Greenland’s deposits are geopolitically important.
Greenland has resisted making exclusive deals with Europe or Denmark, aiming for greater independence.
What limitations does Greenland have?
Greenland’s small population (57,000) lacks the workforce and skills needed for large-scale mining.
What is Denmark’s influence?
Denmark provides over half of Greenland’s budget and remains its top trading partner.
Copenhagen wants to steer Greenland toward European partnerships, but direct pressure is risky, as it might push Greenland toward China or the U.S. for support.
What is the proposed value of the mine? (2025)
$7.5 billion.
Why are REEs (rare earth elements) in such high demand?
These REEs (like terbium and neodymium) are vital for green technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles.
What happened in 2021?
In 2021, a left-wing green government was elected on an anti-uranium platform and banned uranium mining, effectively halting the project.
Why was the project halted?
Environmental concerns: Locals feared that radioactive tailings would contaminate drinking water, sheep farms, and fragile marine ecosystems.
What was one legal/political consequence of halting the project?
The company Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) sued Greenland for $11.5 billion, nearly 10× Greenland’s annual budget.
How much did ETM invest in the development of mines in Greenland?
$100 million
What has this mine become a flashpoint of?
US-China resource rivalry
What are various stakeholders’ stances?
- Strong local opposition remains - fears of irreversible damage to water sources and traditional Inuit livelihoods
- Greenland’s mining minister, Naaja Nathanielsen, insists the legal fight is about democratic rights and environmental protection.
- ETM argues it followed all legal procedures and was unfairly shut down for political reasons after a change in government.
