U.S.-Ukraine Pact Spotlights Ukraine’s Rich Critical Minerals – The Complex Path to Extraction

Ukraine’s mineral resources play a crucial role in ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine concerning a ceasefire in the war with Russia. On March 11, 2025, after initial challenges, an agreement emerged that includes resumed support and intelligence sharing from the U.S. This partnership aims for a comprehensive framework to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, enhancing the country’s economy and securing its long-term stability.

While Ukraine’s government initially hinted that these minerals could offset the costs of U.S. support, that statement was omitted from the official announcement. The next objective is to secure Russia’s consent to a ceasefire.

Access to detailed information about Ukraine’s natural resources has been hindered by the ongoing conflict. As a geoscientist studying resource evaluation, I have sifted through technical reports to gain insight into Ukraine’s mineral wealth.

Ukraine’s mineral wealth is primarily distributed across two geological provinces. The Ukrainian Shield, a vast region stretching from northwest to southeast, contains ancient metamorphic and granitic rocks, enriched by years of geological activity. Nearby, the Dnipro-Donets Depression, close to the Russian border, is rich in sedimentary rocks that house coal, oil, and natural gas.

Historically, both regions provided resources to the Soviet Union, fueling its industrial and military ambitions. Major industrial hubs emerged, particularly in the southeast, which is rich in iron, manganese, and coal. By the 2000s, Ukraine had established itself as a significant player in mineral production, including uranium for nuclear energy.

Geoscientists have also identified deposits of lithium and rare earth metals, yet many remain undeveloped. Current assessments suggested by technical reports indicate that many mineral evaluations are based on outdated data, with several mines inactive due to conflict. However, there is potential for increased production through foreign investments once peace returns, enhancing the value of these minerals.

The U.S. has a vested interest in Ukraine’s critical minerals, which are deemed essential for economic and national security, especially in military and technological applications. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, over a dozen critical minerals crucial for U.S. industries are found abundantly in Ukraine, with a significant portion in areas occupied by Russian forces.

Ukraine is rich in three main critical minerals: manganese, titanium, and graphite. It holds the world’s largest manganese reserves, estimated at 2.4 billion tons. However, the quality of these deposits is lower than optimal, posing challenges in extraction and processing.

Graphite is another significant resource, primarily located in the southern and northwestern portions of the Ukrainian Shield, with an estimated total of 343 million tons of ore. Ukraine is the largest source of graphite in Europe and ranks fifth globally.

Titanium, essential for aerospace and military applications, is found in numerous sites across Ukraine, with reserves frequently evaluated in hundreds of millions of tons. Besides these, other critical minerals relevant to technology are present, though not in abundance. For instance, zinc, alongside metals like lead and copper, has substantial reserves, while gallium and germanium are byproducts of other ores.

Beyond what is currently mined, Ukraine has the potential for significant deposits of lithium, rare earth metals, and scandium. Although lithium extraction has not yet commenced, a commercially licensed site holds promise. Current estimates for these lithium reserves suggest they could position Ukraine among the top global suppliers.

Rare earth elements, vital for modern technology, exist in several volcanic sites but remain undeveloped. Meanwhile, scandium, important for aerospace alloys, has not been extensively assessed for commercial viability in Ukraine.

Ultimately, while Ukraine’s mineral resources are vast, successful extraction depends on robust infrastructure, investment, and an end to military hostilities. These elements will dictate the future of Ukraine’s mining sector.