WASHINGTON, Oct 14 — US President Donald Trump said today that oil, gas and mineral exploration was preparing to begin in Greenland, and hailed the Arctic island’s position for US and European security.

Washington signed a security deal with the leaders of Greenland and Denmark after Trump threatened to take Copenhagen’s strategically important Arctic Circle territory by force.

Greenland, which lies on the shortest route for missiles between Russia and the United States, represents a highly strategic location for Trump’s desired “Golden Dome” defence shield.

It also has untapped rare earth deposits and could be a critical player as melting polar ice opens up new shipping routes.