1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

What you don't know about Greenland's minerals

08:03

This browser does not support the video element.

February 5, 2026

Rare earths, uranium, gold — and big expectations. Here is the real story behind Greenland's mineral potential and the consequences for the environment and local communities.

Greenland is often portrayed as a solution to global shortages of rare earth elements, but the reality is more complex. The island has large geological potential, yet only a small share is proven and economically viable.

Remote locations, high costs, challenging silicate-bound minerals and radioactive byproducts slow development. Environmental risks and political resistance further limit large-scale mining.

For more DW content on topics around the environment, follow this link.

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW