Ukraine possesses some of the largest reserves of critical minerals in Europe, including graphite, titanium, lithium, uranium, and zirconium. However, the mere existence of these resources is insufficient for the country's immediate enrichment or for transforming them into viable investment projects.
The main reason for this is that much of the geological data collected in Ukraine dates back to the Soviet era. Today, this data needs to be updated, verified, and assessed according to modern international standards. Additional challenges include military risks, high capital costs, difficulties in insuring large industrial facilities, and lengthy preparation times for mining projects.
Regarding the prospects of Ukrainian critical minerals, the preparation of deposits for attracting foreign investors, the issue of insuring military risks, as well as the status of the agreement on rare earth minerals with the USA, Deputy Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine Yegor Perelygin shared insights.