Japan eyes Greenland’s rare earth wealth, to send delegation for resource assessment

Japan is preparing to send a delegation to Greenland this summer to examine the possibility of extracting rare earth resources on the Arctic island, according to a Nikkei report, cited by Reuters.

The move comes as countries around the world seek secure supplies of critical minerals needed for advanced technologies and clean energy industries.

According to the report, the delegation is expected to include officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, representatives from major trading companies, and members of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security.

During the visit, the group is likely to hold discussions with local Greenland authorities and assess opportunities for future cooperation in the mining sector.

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The planned visit reflects growing international interest in Greenland, which has emerged as a strategically important region because of its vast natural resources and its location in the Arctic.

Greenland's rich resource potential

Greenland is believed to possess significant deposits of rare earth elements, a group of 17 minerals used in manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, semiconductors and defence equipment. As countries attempt to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on a limited number of producers, Greenland's mineral reserves have attracted increasing attention.

For Japan, which relies heavily on imports of critical minerals, access to alternative sources of rare earths is considered important for long-term economic and industrial security.

Strategic importance beyond minerals

While mineral resources have drawn global attention, Greenland's importance extends beyond mining. The island occupies a key geographical position between North America and Europe and lies along important Arctic routes.

During the Cold War, the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap was a crucial part of Nato's strategy for monitoring Soviet naval activity. Today, climate change and melting Arctic ice are opening new shipping routes and increasing access to previously remote areas, making the region more strategically significant.

Growing global interest in the Arctic

Greenland has remained in the international spotlight in recent years, particularly after US President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring the island. The remarks sparked concern among European allies, including Denmark, which retains sovereignty over Greenland.

Although Greenland enjoys extensive self-rule and manages most of its domestic affairs, foreign policy and defence remain under Danish authority.

As geopolitical competition and demand for critical minerals continue to grow, Greenland is increasingly becoming a focal point of both economic and strategic interest for major powers, including the United States, China, Japan and European nations.