Mining of the world's largest cryolite deposits was abandoned as uneconomic in 1963. Exploration has revealed valuable metal deposits, of which zinc and lead are now being mined along the western coast. Electricity, from thermal stations, relies on imported fuels. Greenland has no railroads. The small road network is well used, but dog sleds remain the chief form of surface transportation.
Most freight arrives by sea, but there is a well-developed internal and external air service.
A sophisticated telecommunications network is available to most of the population. Radio, television, and newspapers are given in both Greenlandic and Danish. A full range of welfare services is funded by the Danish government. Free health care is available to everyone. Both vocational and university education are available for Greenlanders in Denmark.