Her master's work involved fieldwork in east Greenland, where she studied mineralisation associated with the igneous rocks that were emplaced during the opening of the north Atlantic Ocean.

[6] While working in Greenland, Hanghøj also gained experience with a mining exploration company, drilling for gold and platinum in the area.

[4] After completing her PhD, Hanghøj worked both as a research geologist in academia, and in various mining and exploration geology roles as consultant.

[11] Hanghøj has published research papers on the geology of East Greenland, the Skaergaard intrusion and the geochemistry of the Earth's crust.

[16] In 2020, Hanghøj was awarded an honorary doctorate from Uppsala University, in recognition of 'her outstanding contribution to geological research ... especially in the field of raw materials'.