Thread by @nytimes

As climate change melts the ice that covers 80% of Greenland, it has spurred demand for the island's rare minerals. These elements are needed for electric cars and wind turbines, and are essential as the world tries to break its addiction to fossil fuels. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1

Global superpowers are jostling for influence. Billionaire investors are making big bets. Mining companies have staked claims in a quest that includes nickel, titanium and gold. But Greenlanders are wary of those seeking to exploit the island's riches. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1

Leaders of Greenland's new government see the ore as a means to work toward financial independence from Denmark. But residents already suffering the effects of climate change don't want to suffer more so that the rest of the world can have electric cars. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1

Locals in the Narsaq village were initially in favor of a mine, attracted by the promise of badly needed jobs. But opinion shifted after residents distrusted assurances from the mining company, Greenland Minerals, that radioactive water would be contained. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1

At the moment there are only two active mines in Greenland, one for rubies and the other anorthosite. But dozens of companies have an interest in digging and are looking for ways to address local concerns about the environmental impact. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1

But any project that threatens the environment or their livelihoods could face opposition from local people who have shown that they are quite capable of standing up to powerful interests. nyti.ms/3kUPJG1