Ukraine intends to implement at least three pilot projects within the framework of the Subsoil Agreement signed with the United States of America over the next year and a half. These plans were announced by Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with representatives of companies that are members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (AmCham).
This is reported by Business • Media
First pilot project: development of the lithium site “Dobra”
According to Yulia Svyrydenko, one of the priority projects may be the development of the lithium site “Dobra,” located in the Kirovohrad region. The commission for organizing the conclusion and execution of production sharing agreements (PSA) recently made a decision regarding the feasibility of holding a competition for this site, and preparations for the competition conditions are currently underway. This deposit may potentially fall under the mandate of a joint investment fund created in cooperation with the USA.
“The commission for organizing the conclusion and execution of production sharing agreements (PSA) recently decided on the feasibility of announcing a competition for the lithium site ‘Dobra’ in the Kirovohrad region. We need to develop all the competition conditions in the near future. This deposit potentially falls under the mandate of the investment fund,”
Interest of American companies and the role of US business
At the meeting, a representative of the American company TechMet expressed readiness to participate in the competition for the development of lithium deposits. If successful, the company plans not only to engage in the exploration and extraction of lithium in Ukraine but also to establish production facilities for its further enrichment. This approach could serve as an example of attracting Western investment into strategically important sectors of the Ukrainian economy.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on the situation amid the temporary suspension of American aid, emphasized the importance of the role of American business in strengthening bilateral relations between Ukraine and the USA. He highlighted that the defense systems provided by the USA protect not only the lives of citizens but also support the stable operation of enterprises in Ukraine.
At the same time, on July 3, the President of Ukraine signed amendments to the Budget Code aimed at implementing a joint agreement with the USA regarding the establishment of a Reconstruction Investment Fund. This step opens new opportunities for attracting international capital and will contribute to the development of projects in the field of mineral extraction in the coming years.