Minerals for a green transition: a good business case for Kalaallit Nunaat?

The global green transition depends on a stable supply of critical minerals for new technologies. Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) holds 25 of the 34 mineral raw materials classified as “critical” by the EU, placing it at the center of international interest and geopolitical attention. In recent years, both the EU and the United States have signaled strong strategic interest in developing sustainable raw‑materials value chains with Kalaallit Nunaat. Yet a fundamental question remains unresolved: How can mineral extraction become a genuinely good business case for Greenlandic society?

Research Focus

Despite its substantial mineral deposits, the extractive sector in Kalaallit Nunaat remains small, with few active mines and persistent challenges in attracting investment. Since the introduction of the Self‑Governance Act and the transfer of mineral resource authority to Greenlandic institutions, the sector has struggled to realise its economic potential. At the same time, global efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on single suppliers have intensified interest in Greenland’s resources - creating both opportunities and pressures.

This fellowship examines the societal dimensions of mineral extraction in Kalaallit Nunaat, moving beyond traditional assessments such as Social Impact Assessments (SIA) and Impact Benefit Agreements (IBA). It asks: What does a good business case look like when societal well‑being, sovereignty, sustainability, and local priorities are placed at the centre? The work aligns closely with the Government of Greenland’s new Mineral Resources Strategy (2025–2029), which emphasises sustainability, community involvement, and local benefits.

Objectives

The fellowship has two overarching aims:

• to strengthen UCPH’s cross‑disciplinary expertise on the links between minerals, society, and the green transition within the Kingdom of Denmark, enabling future strategic collaboration with policymakers, authorities, and rightsholders in Kalaallit Nunaat
• to build a research consortium and prepare a cross‑disciplinary application for Horizon Europe or national funding bodies, in collaboration with UCPH Arctic and partners in Greenland

Planned Activities

The fellowship will:

• explore cross‑faculty collaboration at UCPH, including with Geocenter Denmark, UCPH Arctic, and CApE
• host open sandpit workshops in Copenhagen (2026) and Nuuk (ICASS XII, 2027) to bring together researchers, authorities, local stakeholders, and rightsholders
• facilitate consortium‑building and collaborative writing sessions to develop a major research proposal
• contribute to public debate through articles in Danish and Greenlandic media and interviews with international press
• prepare research applications to the DFF Arctic call and relevant Horizon Europe programmes on Arctic governance and sustainable development

These activities build on earlier UCPH initiatives such as Til Gavn for Grønland and draw on the fellow’s extensive experience in inter‑ and transdisciplinary Arctic research, including leadership roles in Horizon Europe and Fulbright Arctic collaborations.

Long‑Term Vision

The fellowship will contribute to strengthening UCPH’s research environments in Arctic studies, environmental humanities, climate and nature governance, and green transition policy. By placing societal priorities and resource needs at the centre, the project aims to support more informed, equitable, and sustainable approaches to mineral extraction in Kalaallit Nunaat. In the longer term, the work will help position UCPH as a trusted knowledge partner for policymakers and communities navigating the complex intersection of minerals, sovereignty, and the green transition.