Brussels, 07/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani announced on 2 May that he would travel of Greenland on 16 June to initial an agreement on the extraction of rare earths in this autonomous Danish territory associated with the EU. Since 2009, Greenland has enjoyed extensive autonomy and has control over its resources. It is rich in rare earths, metals that are vital in the manufacture of high-tech goods. The EU, in competition with China, will try to win the day during the commissioner's visit. The Greenlanders, determined to protect their environment, are expected to opt for cooperation with the EU, according to Tajani's staff, quoted by AFP. The agreement, which will give free access to the territory's resources of rare earths, will then have to be validated by the Council. The EU has already signed similar agreements with the African Union, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay, and is hoping shortly to sign with Mexico and Colombia. (EH/transl.rt)