Ukrainian Graphite Mine Hopes for Trump Deal, but Say Returns Won’t Be Instant
As U.S. President Donald Trump eyes a major deal on Ukraine’s rare earths and critical minerals in return for Washington’s continuing support in the war against Russia.
In an interview last week, Zelenskiy unfurled a map of Ukrainian minerals, including lithium, graphite, titanium and rare earths, which are important for the manufacture of high-performance magnets, electric motors and consumer electronics.
He said less than 20% of the country’s resources – including about half its rare earth deposits – were under Russian occupation and emphasised the need to help Ukraine protect what remains.
But despite what Kyiv says is trillions of dollars of untapped mineral wealth, industry experts say it could take years for investors to make significant profits from a sector reeling from war and chronic underinvestment.