Lukashenko Orders Search for Rare Earth Minerals in Belarus: “We Need to Dig”

Belarus' leader, Alexander Lukashenko, has instructed experts to determine whether the country has deposits of rare earth minerals, state-owned agency Belta reported on March 4.

Lukashenko noted that geological exploration in Belarus is underdeveloped and remains at a low level. He also pointed out that the search for rare earth metals has largely been overlooked by local experts.

“Only Trump talks about rare earth metals in the United States. You haven’t thought about this yet,” Lukashenko said. “There’s never too much of it in the ground. Maybe we have just as much as others?”

According to Lukashenko, geological exploration is now “the most pressing issue” in light of recent events.

“They say we have rare earth minerals in our stockpiles. We need to explore everything else—chemicals, oil, gas, and more,” Lukashenko stated. “I have already assigned this task to the relevant minister.”

Addressing the relevant deputy prime minister, Lukashenko continued: “That’s why the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection will have to work hard alongside you. This is the future. We need to dig and see what resources we have in our land.”

Lukashenko’s statements come after Ukraine-U.S. talks regarding signing a potential earth minerals deal, intended to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and American companies gaining access to Ukrainian minerals and direct investments into the country.

At the same time, the planned signing of a rare earth minerals agreement was canceled amid tensions during Zelenskyy’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.