Donald Trump has said “massive” oil, gas and mineral exploration will begin in Greenland, despite no clear indication of which projects he was referring to and a history of failed extraction attempts on the Arctic island.
The US president made the claim on Truth Social early on Wednesday, describing Greenland as “our new and beautiful Greenland”. The self-governing territory remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark and is not part of the United States.
Greenland’s severe climate and limited infrastructure have repeatedly deterred companies from developing its natural resources. Previous efforts to extract rare earth minerals, oil or gas have not progressed beyond exploration.
Trump’s announcement followed a campaign appearance in Wasilla, Alaska, where he backed Republican senator Dan Sullivan’s bid for a third term. Mr Sullivan is facing Democratic former congresswoman Mary Peltola in next month’s midterm elections.
Rising energy prices, described in the source material as a direct result of Mr Trump’s war in Iran, have created financial pressure for American working-class voters. His comments appeared aimed at addressing those concerns before the election.
Greenland agreement does not grant US exploration rights
A security agreement signed last month by Mr Trump and leaders from Denmark and Greenland strengthened co-operation in the Arctic and North Atlantic, following months of tension over his demands for control of the territory.
However, the agreement does not give the United States special rights to explore for oil, gas or minerals. It does place restrictions on investment by non-Nato countries in strategic sectors and paves the way for additional US bases in Greenland.
The agreement would remain in force if Greenland were eventually to become independent. Mr Trump has expressed a desire to acquire the territory since 2019 and, during his second term, threatened to seize it from Denmark, a Nato ally.
Officials from Denmark’s foreign ministry, the office of Greenland’s prime minister and the island’s mining ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Naaja H. Nathanielsen, who represents Greenland in the Danish parliament, told Danish broadcaster TV2 that she believed Mr Trump’s post was intended to attract attention. She said she did not attach significance to his description of the island as “our Greenland”.
Greenland’s rare earth minerals and Arctic position
Greenland is believed to have substantial deposits of rare earth minerals, which are used in computers, smartphones, batteries and renewable energy technologies. China currently dominates the global supply of these minerals, while the Trump administration is seeking to reduce Beijing’s influence.
The US Geological Survey has also identified potential offshore deposits of oil and natural gas. Developing them would be highly challenging, with rare earth minerals contained in rock and the offshore deposits covered by Arctic ice.
Mr Trump also highlighted Greenland’s strategic position, saying it was “second to none” for the defence and offence of the United States and Europe.
“Any future attack on the United States will have to come across Greenland, where our Defense will routinely knock down drones, missiles, or any other form of weapon not yet even conceived,” he wrote. “It gives us time, location, and sightline, like nowhere else in the World!”
US military involvement in Greenland has declined since 1945, when thousands of soldiers were stationed across 17 bases and installations. About 200 US personnel now serve at the remote Pituffik Space Base in the north-west, supporting missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance operations for the United States and Nato.
Mr Trump said last month that the US would “immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate locations”, including the construction of “two very major military bases”.
