Approval of a key rare earths project transfer coincides with rising geopolitical tension and criticism of pro-U.S. outreach on the island.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Greenland has approved an indirect transfer tied to the Tanbreez rare earths mining project, a move that advances changes in ownership of one of the Arctic territory’s most strategically significant mineral assets while tensions grow over foreign influence on the island.
The decision, confirmed by Greenland’s Ministry of Mineral Resources and Business, follows efforts by Critical Metals Corp to expand its stake in Tanbreez Mining. The company secured rights in October to increase its ownership in the southern Greenland project, located in Killavaat Alannguat, to 92.5%, strengthening its position in a deposit widely regarded as one of the largest rare earth reserves in the region.
Officials clarified that the approval concerns an “indirect transfer,” meaning the mining license itself remains under the same registered entity while ownership of the company holding the license changes. The step formalizes a restructuring that reflects the project’s increasing importance in global supply chains.
Rare earth elements extracted from the site are essential components in advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and defense applications such as missile guidance systems. The project has drawn sustained attention from global powers seeking to secure access to critical materials.
The administration of Donald Trump has previously explored acquiring a stake in Critical Metals Corp, according to individuals familiar with the discussions, a move that would give the United States a direct foothold in the Tanbreez project. U.S. and Danish officials also engaged with project stakeholders in 2024 to discourage any sale to companies linked to China, underscoring broader concerns over supply chain security.
At the same time, efforts by individuals aligned with pro-Trump initiatives to expand U.S. engagement in Greenland have triggered criticism among local officials and residents.
Tensions intensified following a public confrontation in Nuuk between Greenlandic lawmaker Per Berthelsen and local Trump supporter Jørgen Boassen. Berthelsen said Boassen approached him outside a restaurant and challenged him to a fight, an incident that drew attention after being described publicly.
Boassen, who has been associated with pro-U.S. advocacy efforts on the island, has worked alongside a network of American figures connected to Republican political circles. According to interviews with officials, activities linked to this group have included promoting investment opportunities, building relationships with Greenlandic leaders, funding cultural events, and raising awareness of the island’s colonial history under Denmark.
Some individuals involved said they had shared information with U.S. officials regarding Greenland’s political environment. However, Greenlandic leaders have expressed concern about the nature of these efforts.
Foreign Minister Mute Egede said, “Those people, they don’t have the respect,” while parliamentary foreign affairs committee chair Pipaluk Lynge stated she was “100 percent skeptical of any other American” initiatives.
The White House has acknowledged ongoing engagement, describing its involvement as “diplomatic, high-level technical talks” with Greenland and Denmark focused on national security interests.
Greenland remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and while independence continues to draw public support, polling has consistently shown opposition to becoming part of the United States. Statements from Danish leadership have reiterated that Greenland is not available for purchase.
Visits and outreach tied to U.S. figures have added to friction. A January 2025 trip by Donald Trump Jr., guided locally by Boassen, prompted criticism from Greenlandic and Danish officials. Additional proposals, including discussions about sending a U.S. hospital ship after outreach to Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, have further heightened sensitivities.
Other individuals connected to U.S. initiatives have pursued economic engagement, including meetings with local business and political leaders to discuss investment and development opportunities. Some Greenlandic officials have expressed concern that financial incentives could influence public opinion, particularly given economic challenges on the island.
Health Minister Anna Wangenheim warned that residents could be “lured” by investment proposals, while others questioned the broader intent behind cultural and political outreach efforts.
Advisers linked to U.S. policy discussions, including figures associated with Project 2025, have also promoted closer ties and explored avenues for engagement. Attempts to support cultural events, such as Greenland’s dogsledding championship, drew backlash after plans for U.S. official participation were publicized, leading to scaled-back involvement.
Despite these initiatives, skepticism remains widespread. Berthelsen said the cumulative effect of U.S. rhetoric and outreach has produced resistance rather than support, stating, “The mental terror we have experienced from the United States has had completely the opposite reaction than the Trump administration hoped for.”
As Greenland advances the Tanbreez project and global demand for rare earth elements continues to grow, the island’s natural resources are increasingly central to international economic and strategic considerations, even as local concerns over sovereignty and foreign influence intensify.
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