Ukraine's government is taking steps to facilitate mining activities in a significant lithium deposit, which is part of a landmark deal with the United States. This initiative reflects Ukraine's efforts to demonstrate to the Trump administration that the agreement can yield quick and tangible benefits.
Ukraine Moves Forward with U.S. Minerals Deal Amid Bid Preparations
Ukraine Moves Forward with U.S. Minerals Deal Amid Bid Preparations
Ukraine prepares to initiate private mining of lithium resources, aiming to showcase the viability of its agreement with the U.S. government.
On June 16, 2025, it was reported that Kyiv has authorized the formulation of recommendations aimed at allowing private sector bids to mine the Dobra lithium field located in central Ukraine. This site is recognized as one of the country's largest lithium reserves, a vital mineral for electric battery production.
Among the firms anticipated to participate in the bidding process is a group of investors that includes TechMet—an energy investment firm partly owned by the U.S. government—and Ronald S. Lauder, a billionaire with ties to President Trump. This consortium has voiced its interest in the Dobra deposit since late 2023, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider opening the field for bids.
The agreement stipulates that 50% of the revenues generated from mineral extraction will fund a U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund, which would reinvest significant portions back into Ukraine's economy while also sharing proceeds with the U.S. Trump has depicted this financial arrangement as a means of reimbursing past American aid to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.
The drafting process for the recommendations is expected to span several weeks, and there remains the possibility that the Ukrainian government might opt against initiating the bidding process entirely. Public commentary from the Ukrainian administration regarding this development has not yet been made.
Among the firms anticipated to participate in the bidding process is a group of investors that includes TechMet—an energy investment firm partly owned by the U.S. government—and Ronald S. Lauder, a billionaire with ties to President Trump. This consortium has voiced its interest in the Dobra deposit since late 2023, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider opening the field for bids.
The agreement stipulates that 50% of the revenues generated from mineral extraction will fund a U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund, which would reinvest significant portions back into Ukraine's economy while also sharing proceeds with the U.S. Trump has depicted this financial arrangement as a means of reimbursing past American aid to Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.
The drafting process for the recommendations is expected to span several weeks, and there remains the possibility that the Ukrainian government might opt against initiating the bidding process entirely. Public commentary from the Ukrainian administration regarding this development has not yet been made.
