AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) has engaged Greenland exploration specialists as US President Donald Trump announces major mineral exploration plans for the territory.
The company has appointed Xploration Services Greenland A/S to undertake exploration activities at its Qeqertaasaq Niobium and Rare Earth Elements Project in western Greenland.
The engagement follows Trump’s announcement on 14 October regarding preparations for major mineral exploration activities in Greenland.
“Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“There are Experts that are saying that the amount of easily available Oil is far greater than that of almost any land, anywhere in the World.”
The announcement follows a landmark defence and security agreement signed between the US, Greenland, and Denmark on 22 September 2026, highlighting Greenland’s growing geopolitical significance in global critical minerals supply chains.
Greenland rare earth project owners Greenland Mines (NASDAQ:GRML) and Critical Metals Corp (NASDAQ:CRML) both rose in early trading following Trump’s announcement, with market values of US$90 million ($129.5 million) and US$930 million respectively.
Historical ‘high-grade’ results
Exploration activities will initially focus on previously identified ‘high-grade’ niobium mineralisation zones at Qeqertaasaq.
Historical drilling by Kryolitselskabet Øresund in the 1970s returned exceptional results from shallow scout holes, including 15.9m @ 0.80% niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) from 3.6m and 10.4m @ 1.29% Nb2O5 from 1.9m.
Subsequent deeper drilling in 1976 returned 84.37m @ 0.51% Nb2O5 from 13.35m, including 32.43m @ 1.06% Nb2O5 from 44.47m. Mineralisation remains open in all directions across multiple areas.
Experienced team appointed
Xploration Services Greenland brings more than 20 years of management experience in Greenland’s mineral exploration sector. Established in 2010 and headquartered in Nuuk, the company has supported exploration programs for major international companies, including Anglo American (LSE:AAL).
The appointment provides AuKing with access to established local infrastructure, experienced personnel, and an extensive network of Greenland-based contractors to support exploration activities in the Arctic environment.
AuKing Mining recently announced a proposed earn-in acquisition of the Qeqertaasaq Project, positioning it to benefit from increasing US engagement with Greenland’s critical minerals sector.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Main image: Xploration Services Greenland
