(Greenland) Precious material find raises independence hopes

[bemildred]

NEW-FOUND WEALTH: The discovery of gold and diamond deposits have given Greenland hope that it could achieve true autonomy from Danish rule

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After nearly 300 years of Danish rule, Greenland is hoping that the recent discovery of gold and diamonds on the island and the promethean promises of oil exploration off its coasts could bring it a step closer to true independence.

Greenland, home to some 57,000 people, mainly indigenous Inuits, became a Danish colony in 1721, but has enjoyed internal autonomy for the past 25 years.

Now the local government in capital city Nuuk hopes the newly-found precious minerals will help the island diversify its economy which today, in addition to fish and shrimp exports, depends almost entirely on subsidies from "big brother" Denmark, which dishes out about 3 billion kroner (US$494 million) each year, or 57 percent of Greenland's total budget for next year.

Taipei Times

[rockymountaindem]

1. In other news...

Canada secretly mobilizes it's forces on nearby Baffin and Ellesmere islands.

[ochazuke]

2. I'll take the Danish

Which is worse, the patronage of Denmark, or the invasion ofthe mining interests? Look at other countries that try to make a go of it on resource exploitation. It ain't pretty.

[Xithras]

3. The worlds first Intuit nation

Good for them.