Greenland has enormous mineral wealthaccessing it is another story

"Its ancient bedrock dates back four billion years or more, metamorphic rocks were transformed by volcanic activity that has concentrated metal ores in southern Greenland, and sedimentary rocks in northern areas are rich in lead and zinc. Almost half the periodic table can be found in a large, underexplored landmass like Greenland with such a complex geological history, says Diogo Rosa, an economic geologist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland."

"But most of Greenland's landmass is locked under ice that can be more than three kilometers thick, and Greenland is just a logistically difficult place to work. Greenland's climate can present challenges, particularly in the north and east, says Kathryn Goodenough, a principal geologist at the British Geological Survey. The equipment needed for mining, personnel, logistics, export capacity and fuel consumption all present obstacles and, ultimately, Goodenough says, the potential for higher costs, reduced profitability and higher risks."

Greenland's geology spans ancient bedrock older than four billion years, with metamorphic rocks altered by volcanism concentrating metal ores in southern regions and sedimentary basins in the north rich in lead and zinc. Almost half the periodic table can be present across the large, underexplored landmass. However, about 80 percent of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet that can exceed three kilometers in thickness, making direct access difficult. The territory lacks roads, railways, and widespread electricity. Harsh climate, remote locations, and the need to import heavy equipment, fuel, and personnel by air or sea raise costs, reduce profitability, and increase operational risks.

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