U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday plans for extensive oil, gas, and mineral exploration in Greenland. The specifics of this exploration were not immediately clear, as Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark and not part of the United States.

Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform following a campaign event in Alaska. The move is seen as an attempt to address rising energy prices affecting the working class ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, previous attempts at resource extraction in Greenland have faced challenges due to the island’s harsh conditions and lack of infrastructure. Efforts to extract rare earth minerals, oil, and gas have not progressed beyond the exploratory stage.

The recent agreement signed by Trump with Denmark and Greenland focuses on enhancing security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. While the deal does not grant the U.S. special exploration rights, it does allow for the possibility of additional U.S. bases in Greenland.

Greenland holds significant reserves of rare earth minerals crucial for various technologies, including renewable energy sources. The U.S. Geological Survey has also identified substantial offshore oil and gas deposits in the region.

Trump emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance, highlighting its role in defense and security for both the U.S. and Europe. He mentioned plans to bolster the U.S. military presence in Greenland with the construction of new military bases.

The U.S. has had a reduced military presence in Greenland since 1945, with a focus on missile warning, defense, and space surveillance operations. Trump’s administration aims to increase this presence with the establishment of additional military facilities.