Greenland is emerging as a key focus of Western critical-minerals strategies, with graphite, rare earths and molybdenum projects advancing as Europe and North America seek alternative supply sources outside China. At the same time, recent permitting decisions show that strategic mineral potential does not automatically translate into project approval.
The island’s mining pipeline includes projects moving toward development as well as assets facing regulatory barriers. GreenRoc Strategic Materials’ Amitsoq graphite project, Greenland Resources’ Malmbjerg molybdenum project and Critical Metals Corp.’s Tanbreez rare-earth project are progressing through different stages, while the Kuannersuit (Kvanefjeld) rare-earth project has faced rejection of licence renewal.
Amitsoq Advances With Graphite Resource and Processing Development
GreenRoc Strategic Materials’ Amitsoq graphite project has secured a 30-year exploitation licence, received EU Strategic Project status and hosts a JORC resource of 23.05 million tonnes grading 20.41% graphite. The company said the European Investment Bank will provide no-cost independent advisory support for the Amitsoq mine and active anode material processing project. The support will include market analysis, technical-economic review, business-plan assessment and financial modelling.
Amitsoq is being developed around both graphite mining and downstream processing. GreenRoc said its pilot plant has processed approximately 700 kilograms of 95% graphite concentrate into spherical graphite through seven test runs. The Government of Greenland has also approved Phase III drilling at Amitsoq, with the programme planned to begin at the end of June 2026.
Malmbjerg Receives Canadian Support for Molybdenum Development
Greenland’s molybdenum potential is represented by Greenland Resources’ Malmbjerg project, which has received final approval for a C$7 million non-repayable contribution from the Government of Canada for metallurgical work. The company said Canada has become the first G7 government to invest in mining in Greenland. Malmbjerg is a 100%-owned primary molybdenum project. The project’s 2022 definitive feasibility study outlined US$820 million in capital expenditure and a levered after-tax internal rate of return of 33.8% based on a molybdenum price of US$18 per pound.
Rare-Earth Projects Target Magnet Supply Chains
Rare earths remain another major component of Greenland’s critical-minerals potential. Critical Metals Corp. has started a planned 10,000-metre diamond drilling campaign at its Tanbreez rare-earth project in southern Greenland. The company said the drilling programme is intended to support resource expansion, geological modelling, mine planning and future development activities.
Critical Metals Corp. described Tanbreez as one of the world’s largest undeveloped rare-earth projects, with significant heavy rare-earth content relevant to permanent magnets, electric vehicles, defence systems and advanced manufacturing.
Kuannersuit Decision Highlights Regulatory Constraints
Greenland’s mining landscape also includes projects that have encountered regulatory restrictions. The government rejected Energy Transition Minerals’ request to renew the exploration licence for the Kuannersuit, also known as Kvanefjeld, rare-earth project.
The decision was linked to Greenland’s uranium legislation. The government stated that further exploration was not expected to lead to deposits that could be exploited under the Uranium Act. The differing outcomes across Greenland’s project pipeline show how mineral potential, regulatory frameworks and local policy considerations determine which developments advance. Projects aligned with Greenland’s policy approach have continued moving forward, while assets affected by uranium-related restrictions have faced additional barriers.
