Russian troops have seized a number of Ukrainian deposits rich in rare earth minerals, including one of the key ones – the Shevchenkivske lithium deposit. This was reported by Doctor of Geological Sciences, Head of the Department of Mineral Resources at the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Olena Remezova.
This is reported by Finway
According to Remezova, the main deposits of rare earth elements in Ukraine are concentrated in the Azov region, as well as in the northern and central areas. Some deposits, including Azov, Pokrovsko-Kyreevsk, Petrovo-Hnutivsk, and Mazurivske, are currently under the control of occupying forces.
“These deposits have significant potential and contain a wide range of rare and rare earth elements”
, she notes. The scientist emphasized that the occupied Shevchenkivske lithium deposit is strategically important. At the same time, most lithium reserves remain under Ukraine’s control, primarily in the central regions.
According to Remezova’s estimates, amid the global increase in demand for rare earth elements, the United States, which seeks to reduce China’s influence on the global market (the latter controls about 60–80% of supplies), may intensify interest in Ukrainian deposits. In her opinion, interest from American companies could also affect the dynamics of the de-occupation of strategically important territories.