The relationship between Greenland and Denmark has long been complex, but recent debates over the historical exploitation of cryolite have reignited tensions. A new documentary, L'Or blanc du Groenland, claims that Denmark and private companies amassed nearly 54 billion euros from Greenland’s rare mineral resource. These figures are disputed by economists, yet they have strengthened the calls for independence from Copenhagen.
What is Cryolite?
Cryolite is an exceptionally rare mineral that was primarily used in the production of aluminum. For more than a century, the only known commercial deposit was located in Ivittuut, a small mining town on Greenland’s west coast. The mineral was crucial for aluminum production, making it a strategic resource for industries and wartime efforts.
Greenland’s Cryolite Industry: A Century of Extraction
The Boom Years: 1854 - 1987
Cryolite mining in Ivittuut began in 1854 and continued until the deposit was fully depleted in 1987. During this time, large quantities of cryolite were exported to the United States and other industrial nations.
Economic Impact on Denmark
According to the controversial documentary, the extraction and sale of cryolite generated an estimated 400 billion Danish kroner, equivalent to nearly 54 billion euros. The primary beneficiaries were:
- The Danish state
- The mining company responsible for extraction
- American companies purchasing raw cryolite
A Disputed Legacy
Danish authorities and some economists have contested these figures, arguing that the revenue estimates are exaggerated. However, the lack of transparency in historical records has fueled skepticism and resentment in Greenland.
The Cryolite Debate and Greenland’s Independence Movement
Renewed Calls for Autonomy
Greenland has been an autonomous territory of Denmark since 1979 and gained self-rule in 2009. However, Denmark still controls major aspects of governance, including foreign policy and defense. The cryolite revelations have intensified the independence debate, with many Greenlanders questioning whether they have been economically exploited.
Political Reactions
In the wake of the documentary’s release, political parties in Greenland have voiced strong opinions:
- Pro-independence groups argue that Denmark has historically extracted resources without adequately compensating Greenland.
- Unionist voices caution that full independence would require economic self-sufficiency, which remains a significant challenge given Greenland’s reliance on Danish financial support.
Trump’s Greenland Proposal Revisited
The controversy has also revived discussions about external interest in Greenland. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed buying Greenland, a move that was widely dismissed at the time. However, the region's strategic importance and rich natural resources continue to attract geopolitical attention. Read more about Denmark’s rejection of Trump’s proposal here.
What’s Next for Greenland and Denmark?
Economic Diversification and Resource Management
Greenland is actively exploring new sources of revenue beyond fishing and subsidies from Denmark. With increasing interest in rare earth minerals, the government must navigate how to manage resources more equitably than in the past.
Diplomatic Tensions and Negotiations
As Greenland moves toward greater self-governance, Denmark will need to address historical grievances while maintaining diplomatic ties. The cryolite controversy underscores the broader issue of resource control and economic fairness in post-colonial relationships.
The cryolite dispute has become a symbol of Greenland’s long-standing struggle for economic and political autonomy. Whether or not the figures presented in the documentary are entirely accurate, they have reignited a crucial conversation about Greenland’s past, present, and future. As independence discussions gain momentum, Greenland’s leaders will need to carefully weigh their economic and geopolitical options.
For further insights into the evolving political landscape of Greenland, visit Le Monde’s report.