Granelândia, an autonomous territory under the administration of the Kingdom of Denmark, is again at the center of attention due to the renewed international interest in its strategic and economic wealth. The island’s progressive defrost, with almost 2.2 million square kilometers long, revealed vast mineral reserves, making it an appetizing target for powers such as the United States, Russia and China.
Situated between the Atlantic and Referee Oceans, Gronelândia, with only 56,000 inhabitants, plays a crucial geopolitical role. Its strategic location, combined with the opening of new maritime routes due to the defrost, increased the international interest, as explained. In the United States, the Trump administration even expressed the intention of acquiring the island, and the president himself suggested this possibility in 2019.
Washington sees Grolândia as a fundamental piece to contain the growing influence of Russia and China in the referee. The US concern was intensified in 2018, when the Danish government, coordinated with the Americans, excluded Chinese investors from an airport expansion project on the island.
The thaw brought to the surface a much hidden mineral wealth. Eldur Olafsson, executive director of Amarq Minerals, described the region as a “gold belt” in a testimony to the BBC. The company led by Olafsson is exploring gold, copper, nickel and rare land in Granelândia valleys and mountains, with exploration licenses that cover more than 10,000 square kilometers.
“We are working in a virtually unexplored area, with potential for multiple important deposits,” said Olafsson. The Nalunaq mine, acquired by Amarq in 2015, has already operated during the previous decade, but was closed due to the fall in gold prices and high costs. Now the company expects to increase production and make exploration profitable, betting on a new processing plant.
Olafsson also detailed the process: “We can transport gold monthly in small volumes, which gives us flexibility and reduces logistics costs.” He highlighted Grolândia’s unique potential, considering it a rare opportunity to provide essential minerals to the West for decades.
Granelândia is estimated to have oil reserves equivalent to half of Saudi Arabia and one of the largest rare land concentrations in the world. These resources are considered strategic as they can reduce western dependence on China.
However, exploitation faces significant obstacles, including high operating costs, lack of infrastructure, adverse weather conditions and environmental concerns. Large oil companies have already returned licenses obtained in the last decade, citing a lack of commercial feasibility.
Centuries of American interest
The interest of the United States in Groelândia is not recent. Since the nineteenth century, Washington has tried to acquire the island, with the first effort recorded in 1867, after the purchase of Alaska. During World War II, the US established military bases on the island to prevent Nazis from using it.
In 1946, the US offered $ 100 million to Denmark by Grolândia, but the proposal was rejected. Instead, Denmark has allowed the US military presence on the island through a defense treaty that is still in force to this day.
Mute Egede, Gronelândia Prime Minister, recognizes the island’s strategic and economic importance. In recent statements, he said he was willing to reinforce cooperation with the US, especially in the mining sector. “We have already started conversations and looked for collaboration opportunities with the Trump administration,” said Egede, quoted by Jyllands Posen.
Despite the initial threats of a possible attachment, US Vice President Jd Vance has softened the tone by ensuring that “it is not considered the use of strength,” recalling that the United States already has a significant military presence on the island.
Egede also pointed out that although Granelândia faces global pressures, the situation can be viewed as an opportunity. “We are not immune to international tensions, but this can open doors for broader collaborations,” he said.
Although Granelândia’s vast mineral reserves represent a unique economic opportunity, their exploration remains a challenge. High costs, lack of qualified labor, and environmental issues make it difficult for efforts to transform potential wealth into tangible benefits.
In a context of growing competition between global powers, Granelândia remains a central piece in the geopolitical board, combining unexplored resources and a vital strategic location.
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