Trump says oil, gas and mineral exploration to begin in Greenland

US President Donald Trump announces plans for major oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland.

The full report

US President Donald Trump has announced plans for major oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland, according to DW News. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform, stating that "Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland!" He claimed that experts believed Greenland held some of the world's largest deposits of easily accessible oil, without providing evidence. DW News reports that Greenland is believed to hold substantial untapped oil reserves, but their commercial viability remains uncertain due to high extraction costs, harsh Arctic conditions and environmental restrictions. No commercial oil production has been established in Greenland.

Trump's announcement follows a deal expanding the US military presence on the Arctic island, as reported by Al Jazeera English. The security agreement between the United States, Denmark and the Arctic island's leaders paves the way for two new military bases and Trump's planned "Golden Dome" missile defence system. Trump praised the security advantages gained from the deal, stating that it provides "second to none" security for the US and Europe. He claimed that any future attack on the US would have to come across Greenland, where US defenses would be able to intercept missiles, drones and other weapons.

Greenland's strategic location makes it an important location for missile detection and defense, according to DW News. The island lies along one of the shortest routes between Russia and North America, making it strategically important for US and European security. Trump's announcement has not been met with an immediate comment from the leaders of Greenland or Denmark, as reported by Al Jazeera English.

The US president's announcement has sparked interest in Greenland's potential oil and gas reserves, although exploration in the harsh Arctic environment presents considerable technical and economic challenges, as reported by DW News. Trump did not say whether his announcement was connected to a US oil company's reported preparations for operations in a remote part of eastern Greenland, which prompted unease among residents and local authorities last month.