Greenland may hold the key to a major shift in electric vehicle production. Beneath its icy surface lies a treasure trove of minerals essential for EV batteries. As climate change exposes more of these resources, global interest in Greenland’s mining potential is growing fast.
A New Frontier for Battery Materials
A 2023 European Commission survey revealed that Greenland contains 25 of the 34 minerals classified as critical raw materials, including nickel and cobalt—both essential for EV batteries. A 2024 report from the Arctic Economic Council identified Greenland as one of the largest untapped sources of these materials worldwide.
Until recently, mining in Greenland was limited by harsh Arctic conditions and thick ice coverage. But as glaciers recede, companies and governments see an opportunity to tap into its vast mineral reserves.
The U.S. and Canada Are Already Moving In
Last summer, the first lithium exploration in Greenland began in collaboration with the U.S. State Department. Around the same time, the Biden Administration helped Denmark draft a new mining investment law to attract foreign investment.
By November 2024, Brunswick Exploration, a Canadian mineral firm, announced plans to expand lithium exploration licenses in Greenland, setting the stage for a large-scale mining push in 2025.
Geopolitics and the Race for Resources
Greenland’s resources have long been a geopolitical talking point. In 2019, former President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting the U.S. buy Greenland from Denmark—a move unrelated to EV battery materials but highlighting Greenland’s strategic importance.
Regardless of political shifts, the U.S. already has free-trade access to Greenland’s minerals through its agreement with Denmark. However, increased mining activity could spark debates over environmental impact and labor policies.
Could Greenland Give EVs the Edge Over Gasoline?
Securing a steady supply of critical battery materials is crucial for EV production and reducing dependence on countries like China. Greenland’s resources could play a significant role in making EVs more affordable and widely available, but at what environmental cost? The balance between progress and sustainability will be the next big challenge.
