Kuala Lampur, Jan. 9 -- The newly published map showing Greenland's rare earth mineral deposits against the rest of the world has done more than inform scientists and industry watchers - it has rocked the geopolitical chessboard.

According to United States Geological Survey data, Greenland possesses some of the largest untapped reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) - those indispensable metals that make electric vehicles, smartphones, wind turbines and advanced defence systems possible.

On a global scale, China still holds the lion's share of REE reserves at around 44 million tonnes, but Greenland's estimated 1.5 million tonnes places it on par with or ahead of many Western producers, from Canada to much of Europe.

Rare earth minerals...