Japan to send delegation to Greenland to evaluate rare earth extraction, Nikkei says

Japan is preparing to send a delegation to Greenland this summer to evaluate the possibility of extracting rare earth minerals, according to a Nikkei newswire report. The delegation is expected to include officials from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, representatives from trading companies, and members of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security. They will engage in discussions with local government officials regarding potential extraction projects.

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Danish kingdom, has recently become a focal point of international interest. Its strategic Arctic location and potentially abundant rare earth reserves are significant factors. The United States, under President Donald Trump, had previously expressed interest in acquiring the island, a move that raised concerns among NATO allies in Europe. These discussions have since shifted to a diplomatic channel.