US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that major oil, gas and mineral exploration is preparing in Greenland.
The statement came as Washington expands security cooperation with Denmark and Greenland over the strategically located Arctic island.
Trump did not provide details on companies, locations or timelines for the exploration plans, according to reports from Yahoo, CNN and DW.
Greenland holds significant mineral resources, including rare earth elements.
Experts cited by DW noted that extraction faces high costs, harsh Arctic conditions and environmental restrictions.
Security Role and Missile Defense
Trump linked Greenland's geography to missile defense and Arctic security in a Truth Social post.
He said the island's location is critical for protecting the United States and Europe.
"Greenland from a Security Purpose in the Defence of both the United States of America, and Europe, is second to none," Trump said.
Trump also described Greenland as a key defensive position because it lies along one of the shortest routes between Russia and North America.
The island is central to discussions around the proposed Golden Dome missile defense system and existing US military operations.
"Any future attack on the United States will have to come across Greenland, where our Defence will routinely knock down drones, missiles, or any other form of weapon not yet even conceived," Trump said.
Trump said resource activity would begin soon, although he did not identify any participating companies or specific projects.
Previous reports about possible oil operations in eastern Greenland created concern among some residents and local authorities.
"Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland!" Trump said.
Trump claimed experts had estimated Greenland's oil potential was unusually large, but he did not provide supporting evidence.
Commercial oil production has not been established on the island.
"The amount of easily available Oil is far greater than that of almost... anywhere in the World," Trump said.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland reached a security agreement in September after Trump repeatedly pushed for greater US control over the territory.
The agreement allows expanded military access and possible new defense areas while recognizing Denmark's sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination.
"Strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic Area," said Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark.
Frederiksen welcomed the agreement, which includes expansion possibilities at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig and continued operations at the Pituffik Space Base.
"To the benefit of us all," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Premier of Greenland.
The US currently operates the Pituffik Space Base for missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance missions.
During the Cold War, the United States reportedly maintained a much larger military presence on Greenland.
