Story perspectives

Trump Pushes Greenland Mining Amid China's Rare Earth Control

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump emphasizes the need to control Greenland to counter China's rare earth dominance.
Greenland faces barriers to mining due to harsh environment, limited infrastructure, and complex geology.
Experts warn mining could injure its fragile ecosystem and that Greenland's rare earths are hard to profitably extract.
Industry leaders urge focus on existing U.S. and allied projects, noting over 90% of rare earths now come from China.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump emphasizes the need to control Greenland to counter China's rare earth dominance.
Greenland faces barriers to mining due to harsh environment, limited infrastructure, and complex geology.
Experts warn mining could injure its fragile ecosystem and that Greenland's rare earths are hard to profitably extract.
Industry leaders urge focus on existing U.S. and allied projects, noting over 90% of rare earths now come from China.