Donald Trump has made clear he covets Greenland.
Now he claims to have secured the framework of a future deal, to address defence on the island - a deal that he says includes rights to rare earth minerals.
So what natural resources does Greenland have?
Greenland is believed to sit on top of large reserves of oil and natural gas.
It is also said to be home to the vast majority of raw materials considered crucial for electronics, green energy and other strategic and military technologies – to which Trump has been pushing to secure America's access.
Overall, 25 of 34 minerals deemed critical raw materials by the European Commission are found in Greenland, including graphite, niobium and titanium, according to the 2023 Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.
Greenland's strategic importance is not just about defence, Senator Ted Cruz pointed out at a Senate hearing, considering the island's vast reserves of rare earth elements.
Trump has sometimes downplayed the importance of these resources, citing rising Russian and Chinese influence in the region to justify U.S. claims on the island.
Even before Trump's second term, the U.S. had been tightening its ties with Greenland, including reopening its consulate in the island's capital, Nuuk, in 2020, amidst Russia and China's military presence in the Arctic.
Under Trump's leadership, there has been increased discourse about Greenland's mineral extraction potential, which remains fraught with challenges such as high costs and underdeveloped infrastructure.
Despite the hurdles, rapidly melting ice could create new opportunities for mining and renewable energy in the region.
While the Trump administration emphasizes a security imperative, critical mineral access holds significant economic implications, both for U.S. interests and the developing Greenlandic economy.
In summary, Greenland is a critical pivot in a geopolitical chess game shaped by international relations and the economy.
