Mapping Ukraine’s Mineral Reserves, a Strategic Asset for the US and Europe

Mineral resources are a key aspect of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s collaboration with international partners. Ukraine is open to inviting Western companies to explore and extract these resources. Previously, UNITED24 Media reported that Ukraine’s total mineral wealth is valued at over $15 trillion, including deposits of particular interest to the United States.

This report presents the most precise picture of Ukraine’s mineral resource base, focusing on critical rare earth materials. It also includes maps for easier study.

Ukraine has 28 mineral zones containing dozens of mining sites, covering hundreds to thousands of hectares. These areas offer vast opportunities for exploration, research, and extraction. The deposits are spread across different regions, including territories currently occupied by Russia. 

Ukraine’s mineral wealth is one of Russia’s strategic targets in the east.

Lithium deposits

Ukraine hosts some of the largest explored and estimated lithium reserves in Europe, with projections of up to 33 million tons.

Lithium, a lightweight metal, is essential for manufacturing batteries for phones, computers, and electric vehicles. It is also used in specialized glass and ceramics. 

Ukraine has two confirmed lithium deposits, two preliminary exploration sites, and several additional lithium mineralization occurrences.

Titanium and zirconium

Ukraine ranks among the world’s top ten countries in explored titanium ore reserves, contributing over 7% of global production. There are 28 known titanium deposits and more than 30 mineral occurrences at various exploration stages.

The primary titanium-bearing mineral is ilmenite, often found alongside zirconium deposits. Currently, only placer deposits—representing about 10% of explored reserves—are being mined, while the rest remain in primary deposits. Titanium and its alloys are widely used in aerospace, rocket technology, shipbuilding, machinery, food processing, medicine, and non-ferrous metallurgy.

Nickel, cobalt, chromium, copper, and molybdenum

Ukraine possesses substantial deposits of non-ferrous metals for domestic use and large-scale exports. Most explored deposits and mineral occurrences are located within the Ukrainian Shield  and contain multiple valuable metals.

Extraction is currently minimal, leaving room f9or significant expansion. Ukraine’s known extractable reserves include:

• Nickel: 215,000 tons

• Cobalt: 8,800 tons

• Chromium oxide: 453,000 tons

Projected resources include:

• Chromium oxide: 3.12 million tons

• Copper: 95,000 tons

Graphite. Rare and rare earth metals

Ukraine has significant graphite reserves, estimated at 245 million tons across six deposits, though only one is actively mined. This presents an opportunity for increased production.

Rare and rare earth metals are found in complex deposits within the Ukrainian Shield. Explored reserves of tantalum pentoxide, niobium, and beryllium exist across six deposits. The potential for rare earth extraction depends largely on the development of the Novopoltavske deposit and several other prospective sites. Ukraine is actively seeking investment and international collaboration in this sector.

Gold-lead-zinc deposits

Ukraine has an operational metallurgical process for refining lead-containing materials into lead, zinc, and their alloys. Domestic lead and zinc reserves are mainly found in complex gold-polymetallic deposits.

The country has seven registered lead-zinc deposits, but extraction and refining currently take place at only one site. Ukraine offers significant growth potential in this sector, as the infrastructure for a fully integrated production cycle is not yet in place, making it an attractive area for investment.

Based on the data and maps provided, Ukraine presents a vast landscape for development, investment, and collaboration. As a reliable partner for the Western world, its central European location offers logistical advantages, including railways, highways, and access to maritime transport.

International financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, and EBRD are already active in Ukraine, engaging with its domestic market.

Given this, cooperation in rare earth mineral extraction is a logical step in Ukraine’s partnership with the United States and Europe.