China tightens its grip as Greenland blocks a critical rare earth project Greenland’s government has halted the development of the Kvanefjeld rare earth deposit, one of the world’s largest, by enacting legislation that effectively bans its extraction due to uranium content. This decision occurs as China strengthens its control over global rare earth supply chains, impacting Western defense manufacturing. The United States, Denmark, and the European Union are urged to address this issue to secure critical mineral resources.

• Greenland’s government has blocked the development of the Kvanefjeld rare earth deposit through legislation banning uranium exploration.
• Kvanefjeld is one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits, crucial for Western defense systems and electric vehicle production.
• China controls a significant portion of global rare earth mining and processing, using its dominance as leverage.
• The blocking of Kvanefjeld occurs while Greenland pursues closer ties with China.
• The United States, Denmark, and the EU are called upon to intervene and encourage the responsible development of Kvanefjeld.
• The delay in developing Kvanefjeld strengthens China’s leverage in the critical minerals market.