Greenland says no to China-backed rare-earth mine in election

Party opposed to Kvanefjeld project wins, denting Beijing's ambitions

Voters waiting to cast their ballot during the parliamentary election outside the Inussivik arena in Nuuk, Greenland on Tuesday. Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix/via Reuters

YASUO TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

April 8, 2021 06:39 JST

BRUSSELS -- A left-wing Greenland party opposed to a Chinese-sponsored rare-earth mine won the largest share of seats in the Danish territory's general election Tuesday, casting doubt on the project's future.

The pro-environment Inuit Ataqatigiit party secured 36.6% of the vote, expanding its parliamentary presence to 12 seats from eight, according to Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR. The center-left Siumut party, which supported the mine, fell to second with less than 30% of the vote. Inuit Ataqagiit is preparing for talks to form a coalition government.