Fri Jan 10 03:15:17 UTC 2025: ## US and Denmark Lobby to Keep Greenland Rare Earths Out of Chinese Hands

**Washington/Copenhagen/Melbourne** – The United States and Denmark actively lobbied to prevent the sale of Greenland’s largest rare earths deposit to Chinese firms, according to the CEO of Tanbreez Mining, the project’s former developer. This intervention highlights the escalating competition for control of rare earth minerals, crucial for high-tech industries and defense applications.

Greg Barnes, former CEO of Tanbreez, revealed that US officials visited the southern Greenland project twice last year, urging the company not to sell to Chinese buyers. While the State Department and White House declined to comment, the actions underscore the significant US interest in Greenland’s resources.

Tanbreez was ultimately sold to New York-based Critical Metals for a combined $216 million in cash and stock – a considerably lower price than offers received from Chinese companies, according to CEO Tony Sage. Sage cited the lack of clear payment plans from Chinese bidders as a factor in the decision.

The sale, while significantly less lucrative than potential Chinese deals, has been lauded by some as a success for US interests in securing access to vital rare earth elements. Critical Metals, which plans to mine 500,000 metric tons of eudialyte annually by 2026, is already in talks with Lockheed Martin, and is scheduling discussions with RTX and Boeing, to supply rare earths for defense applications. The company is also pursuing funding from the US Department of Defense to build a processing facility in the US.

However, the Tanbreez project’s viability remains uncertain. Analysts point to its complex mineralogy and lower grade as potential challenges. Despite this, the transaction signifies a shift in the landscape of rare earth mining, with US influence seemingly increasing in Greenland, contrasting with efforts in Africa.

The timing of the sale coincides with recent renewed interest from President-elect Trump in acquiring Greenland, an idea firmly rejected by Denmark. While Greenland is not for sale, its government actively welcomes Western investment, according to Dwayne Menezes of the Polar Research and Policy Initiative.

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