Greenland's Amitsoq Graphite Mine Could Supply 10-15% of Europe's Demand by 2035

The government of Greenland has issued a 30-year license to Greenroc Strategic Minerals, a mining firm based in the UK, for graphite extraction at Amitsoq in southern Greenland. This site, which was operational from 1914 to 1922, is recognized for its premium-quality flakes. According to CEO Stefan Bernstein, the graphite's characteristics, particularly flake shape and size, are vital for lithium battery anodes. Greenroc plans to commence production by 2030, aiming for an annual output of 80,000 tonnes, potentially fulfilling 10-15% of Europe's anticipated graphite needs. The mine is projected to generate approximately 200 local jobs, with many employees traveling by boat from Nanortalik. The EU has classified the project as strategic under its Critical Raw Minerals Act, expediting the permitting process. This initiative arises amid worries over China's dominance in battery-grade graphite, which constitutes 95% of global supply, alongside geopolitical tensions, including US interests in Greenland. Bernstein observes a surge in investments from the US and Australia, reflecting Greenland's increasing geopolitical significance. The article also mentions other critical mineral locations: rare earths in Bayan Obo, China; copper at Escondida, Chile; lithium at Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia; cobalt in the Katanga region, DRC; and phosphate at Bou Craa, Western Sahara.