Japan Eyes Greenland's Rare Earth Riches

Japan is sending a delegation to Greenland to explore potential rare earth extraction opportunities. The visit involves Japanese government officials and industry representatives conducting discussions with Greenlandic authorities. Greenland's strategic significance and rare earth mineral reserves have attracted global interest, including from the United States.

Japan is setting its sights on Greenland as it plans to send a delegation to the Arctic island this summer, with an eye on evaluating possible rare earth extraction sites, Nikkei reported on Sunday.

The delegation will include officials from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as representatives from trading companies and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. Their mission will be to hold talks with Greenland’s local government officials.

Greenland has recently become a focal point due to its strategic position and potentially rich reserves of rare earth minerals. Earlier this year, the White House announced that President Donald Trump considered acquiring the island, prompting international diplomacy efforts among NATO allies.