A Ukrainian government commission has declared a consortium of investors from the United States as the winner of the competition to develop the lithium deposit “Dobra Site” in the Kirovohrad region. The final decision still needs to be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
This is reported by Business • Media
Connection of the Winners to the Trump Administration
The winning consortium is closely linked to the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. It includes billionaire Ronald Lauder, who is known for his closeness to Trump and was one of the initiators of the attempt to purchase Greenland due to its rich resources. Another participant in the consortium is the energy company TechMet, part of which is owned by an investment agency of the U.S. government established during Trump’s first term as president.
Competition Conditions and Revenue Distribution
Last spring, Ukraine signed an agreement that grants the U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources. In September of last year, the State Service of Geology and Subsoil announced a competition for the conclusion of an agreement on the distribution of minerals to be extracted and processed at the “Dobra Site” – one of the largest lithium deposits in the country. According to the subsoil agreement, half of the revenue the Ukrainian government receives from the operation of the lithium deposit will be directed to a joint investment fund.
“According to the subsoil agreement, half of the revenue that the Ukrainian government will receive from the lithium ‘Dobra Site’ will be directed to the joint investment fund.”