Ukraine’s minerals have emerged as key players in global geopolitics, with U.S. President Donald Trump aiming for an agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to gain access to these resources. However, one might wonder precisely what these minerals are and why they are highly coveted.
Ukraine is frequently known for its extensive farmlands and industrial history; however, hidden within its depths is one of the planet’s most extraordinary geological structures, the ”
Ukrainian Shield
.”
This extensive outcrop of exposed crystalline rock, which originated over 2.5 billion years ago, spans large parts of Ukraine. It constitutes one of the planet’s eldest and most geologically steady continental sections. Throughout history, this structure has experienced numerous phases of mountain formation, the creation and migration of magma, as well as various other transformations.
These geological processes
created favorable geological conditions
For the formation of various mineral deposits, such as lithium, graphite, manganese, titanium, and rare earth elements. These materials have become essential for contemporary industries and technologies.
global green energy transition
.
Ukraine possesses reserves of 22 out of the 34 crucial minerals recognized by the European Union.
as crucial for energy security
This places Ukraine amongst the globe’s most bountiful countries in terms of natural resources.
International race
As the globe accelerates efforts towards decarbonization, the demand for essential minerals is surging dramatically. Vehicles powered by electricity, wind turbines, solar panels, and energy storage systems all depend on lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements—resources that Ukraine possesses plentifully.
The
price of lithium
It has risen sharply from approximately US$1,500 (£1,164) per ton in the 1990s to roughly $20,000 per ton recently. The demand is anticipated to grow almost fortyfold by 2040.
As per the International Energy Agency, the count of electric vehicles
is expected to surpass 125 million by 2030
. Comparable growth is anticipated for other battery metals as well. Every electric vehicle demands substantially more lithium compared to typical electronic devices. For instance, a
Tesla Model S battery
calls for roughly 63 kilograms of high-purity lithium.
Ukraine boasts three primary lithium reserves. Among these are the Shevchenkivske deposit situated in the Donetsk area, along with the Polokhivske and Stankuvatske sites found in the central part of the country in the Kirovograd district—collectively positioned within the Ukrainian Shield. Even though Ukraine possesses substantial mineral resources, numerous mineral deposits remain relatively under-explored because of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This war situation has interfered significantly with mining activities and harmed essential infrastructure.
The Shevchenkivske lithium deposit has high levels of spodumene, which is the main lithium-containing mineral utilized in battery manufacturing. It is estimated that the reserves contain significant amounts of this resource.
13.8 million tons of lithium-containing minerals
. In spite of this, removing it necessitates an approximate
Between US$10-20 million in exploration investment
before mining can begin.
In the meantime, the Polokhivske deposit, which holds around 270 thousand tons of lithium, is regarded as one of the finest lithium locations in Europe due to its advantageous geological setting, thus facilitating more cost-effective extraction processes.
However, lithium is only one component of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. The US Geological Survey reports that Ukraine possesses extensive mineral resources.
ranks globally
As the third-biggest supplier of the mineral rutile, accounting for 15.7% of global production, it ranks as the sixth-leading producer of both iron ore at 3.2% of worldwide output and titanium with 5.8%. Additionally, it holds the position of seventh-largest manufacturer of manganese ore, contributing 3.1% globally.
Ukraine also has Europe’s
largest uranium reserves
It is essential for both nuclear power and weaponry. The region has substantial reserves of rare earth elements such as neodymium and dysprosium, which are vital for producing items ranging from smartphones to wind turbines and electric vehicles.
Moreover, Ukraine houses the planet’s most substantial verified deposits of manganese ore. These reserves amount to roughly 2.4 billion tons and are predominantly found in the Nikopol Basin along the south-facing side of the Ukrainian Shield.
The strategic importance of Ukraine’s mineral resources has come into focus within the realm of international diplomacy recently.
bilateral negotiations
Between Ukraine and the U.S., emphasize the strategic significance of these resources from a geopolitical standpoint.
A suggested minerals agreement would entail Ukraine.
contributing half of the upcoming earnings
From state-controlled mineral resources, oil, natural gas, and other extractable materials to an investment fund aimed at reconstructing Ukraine after the war. This fund would be co-managed by Kyiv and Washington.
What about the minerals found within the US itself?
The United States’ keenness on Ukraine’s mineral resources mirrors a larger pattern
geopolitical concern
over
increasing demand
, fluctuating cost variations and
supply chain vulnerabilities
.
While the US has many of the same
critical minerals
Like Ukraine, it has traditionally relied on outsourcing for mining and refining activities because of stringent environmental regulations, expensive labor costs, and more appealing international markets.
This has resulted in an increased dependence on imports, notably from China, which holds a dominant position in crucial areas.
mineral production and processing
Obtaining access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in return for military protection allows the U.S. to bypass purchasing these minerals from China.
In reality, the U.S. federal strategy indicates that it will focus on prioritizing this area.
diversification via mineral security alliances
striving to create a more robust and durable supply chain.
The essential minerals of the US are spread out over several regions.
geological provinces
Including the Appalachian Mountains, the Cordilleran Belt, and the Precambrian Shield visible in portions of the Midwest.
Although the U.S. has established significant lithium reserves, notably in Nevada’s Clayton Valley and North Carolina’s Kings Mountain, a considerable portion of its present lithium output originates from ”
brine operations
This involves extracting salts from solutions like seawater or briny lakes,
can be more expensive
than hard-rock mining.
The worldwide move towards renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is speeding up, with minerals playing a central role in this change. Approximately 80% of the lithium produced internationally is utilized for
battery production
. Major automakers are investing billions in electric vehicle production, driving unprecedented demand for the minerals that power this technology.
Ukraine’s rich endowment of minerals gives it the potential to become a frontrunner in the clean energy transformation. When stability is restored, Ukraine could seize an invaluable chance to redefine the international supply chains for essential minerals. Even after allocating half of this resource to the U.S., Ukraine would retain sufficient funds to invest in local infrastructure, foster industrial development, create employment opportunities, and boost economic recuperation.
This article is being republished from
The Conversation
under a Creative Commons license. Review the
original article
.
Provided by The Conversation
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