In a significant development, Ukraine is set to appoint private investors to explore a crucial lithium deposit as part of its agreement with the United States, highlighting its commitment to this landmark partnership.
Ukraine Moves Forward on U.S. Mineral Extraction Agreement
Ukraine Moves Forward on U.S. Mineral Extraction Agreement
Kyiv aims to showcase the potential of its mineral deal with the Trump administration through strategic steps.
Ukraine, under the leadership of its Deputy Prime Minister, took a notable step on June 16, 2025, aiming to demonstrate to the Trump administration that the mineral agreement it signed could yield prompt and concrete outcomes. The Ukrainian government has granted initial approval for private enterprises to mine the Dobra lithium field, a major state-owned resource located in central Ukraine. This field is among the largest lithium sources in the country, which is essential for electric battery production.
Sources close to the discussions revealed that a consortium which includes TechMet—which has ties to U.S. government investment—and billionaire Ronald S. Lauder, a close ally of President Trump, has shown interest in bidding for the rights to this vital resource. Back in late 2023, this consortium had already urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate the bidding process for the lithium deposit.
Under the terms of the broader U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, half of the proceeds from mineral extraction will be channeled into a joint investment fund designed to benefit Ukraine’s economy, with the U.S. also claiming a share as part of a repayment strategy for its past assistance to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
While the Ukrainian government is in the process of drafting recommendations that will pave the way for opening the bidding process, it could still decide against moving forward with this initiative. As of now, no official announcement has been made by the governmental body regarding this decision.
Sources close to the discussions revealed that a consortium which includes TechMet—which has ties to U.S. government investment—and billionaire Ronald S. Lauder, a close ally of President Trump, has shown interest in bidding for the rights to this vital resource. Back in late 2023, this consortium had already urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to initiate the bidding process for the lithium deposit.
Under the terms of the broader U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, half of the proceeds from mineral extraction will be channeled into a joint investment fund designed to benefit Ukraine’s economy, with the U.S. also claiming a share as part of a repayment strategy for its past assistance to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.
While the Ukrainian government is in the process of drafting recommendations that will pave the way for opening the bidding process, it could still decide against moving forward with this initiative. As of now, no official announcement has been made by the governmental body regarding this decision.
