Ukraine has a chance to return to germanium production, which is one of the key elements for instrumentation and machine engineering. As noted by Deputy Minister of Economy Yegor Perelygin, the technological processes for processing germanium are largely similar to those used in titanium production, particularly during the manufacturing of titanium sponge. Historically, Ukrainian enterprises, such as the “Zaporizhzhia Titanium and Magnesium Plant,” have already had successful experience in processing germanium and producing germanium lenses.
This is reported by Finway
Industrial Potential and Strategic Importance of Germanium
Germanium is indispensable in many industries: it is actively used in radio electronics, electrical engineering, as a semiconductor in manufacturing, as well as in nuclear technology, instrumentation, machine engineering, and metallurgy. It is particularly important that germanium is a key component for creating thermal imaging systems, which are widely used in military technology.
Rising Prices of Germanium Due to Supply Constraints
According to the latest market data, on September 10, the price of one kilogram of germanium reached nearly $5,000. In comparison, at the beginning of 2023, the cost of this metal was just over $1,000 per kilogram. Such a sharp price jump is associated with supply constraints from China, and the price in September became the highest since 2011.
“According to the official, if our country actively develops the titanium industry and builds new deep processing facilities, historical windows of opportunity will open for Ukraine.”
The resumption of germanium production could become not only an economic breakthrough for Ukraine but also an important step in strengthening its position in global markets for critical materials.