Mineral diplomacy in Greenland: learning from US-European history of engagement at the Ivittuut cryolite mine

Growing extractive and geopolitical interest in Greenland is leading to a confluence of threats and opportunities for communities in determining their future economic development pathways. This paper investigates the diplomatic history of the Ivittuut cryolite mine in Southwest Greenland as part of a larger participatory mapping project focused on interviewing stakeholders in the Arsuk fjord on future development pathways in the Ivittuut region. Ivittuut was a key strategic outpost supporting U.S and European cooperation during World War II. In particular, we define the political process of mineral diplomacy and how cryolite was at the heart of US-European diplomacy in Greenland and how minerals could potentially again be a source of cooperation rather than conflict. Greenland can be a frontline for mineral diplomacy, bridging interests between Europe and the US but key to moving forward with such a process requires critical reflection of who was excluded and included in previous mining engagements. Mineral diplomacy today often reflects colonial extractive pressures and military strategic interests, but we argue that political geology frameworks must be included to ensure that mineral diplomacy processes foster long-term sustainable mineral investment while ensuring local communities and Greenlandic values are protected and included in throughout the process.