The Ukrainian government has taken the first practical step towards implementing agreements with the United States regarding cooperation in the field of critical raw materials. This involves preparations to open the ‘Dobra’ lithium deposit, located in the Kirovohrad region, to private investors.
This is reported by Business • Media
Strategic Importance of the ‘Dobra’ Deposit
The ‘Dobra’ lithium deposit, near the village of Dobrovelychkivka, is one of the most promising in the country in terms of lithium reserves. It contains up to 1.2 million tons of lithium ore with an average lithium oxide (Li2O) content ranging from 1.1% to 1.4%, particularly in the ‘Stankuvate’ and ‘Nadiya’ areas. Lithium is a key element in the production of battery cells, which adds significant importance to the development of this deposit for the Ukrainian economy and international cooperation.
Preparation for Investment and Potential Tender Participants
On June 16, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine began preparations for a tender, within which it is planned to transfer the license for the development of the deposit to a foreign investor. The preparatory phase is expected to last several weeks; however, the government reserves the right not to open the tender if circumstances change.
Among potential investors, the company TechMet is mentioned, which has the support of the U.S. State Department, as well as businessman Ronald Lauder, known for his closeness to Donald Trump.
“In Kyiv, there are hopes that advancing the project will serve as a positive signal to Washington, especially amid a stagnation of peace initiatives and growing U.S. fatigue over the war.”
The launch of the investment process is considered an important component for deepening cooperation between Ukraine and the USA, as well as for attracting new technologies and capital into the extraction of strategic raw materials.