Ukraine plans to engage the United States in cooperation in the field of strategic resource extraction, proposing to consider not only traditional deposits but also alternative sources of raw materials, including tailings and waste from the mining and metallurgical complex. This was reported by the Deputy Minister of Economy and a member of the governing council of the Ukrainian-American Investment Fund, Yegor Perelygin.
This is reported by Finway
Waste as a New Raw Material Base for Strategic Industries
According to Perelygin, the approach to utilizing industrial residues could be a breakthrough for the economy and ecology. He noted that for decades, waste has been considered a burden, although in reality, it can become a source of strategic metals necessary for the production of batteries, electronics, aviation, and defense industries, without the need to open new quarries.
“What has been considered a burden for decades is actually a new raw material base: without opening new quarries, we can obtain strategic metals for batteries, electronics, aviation, and the defense industry – while simultaneously neutralizing negative environmental impacts,” said Perelygin.
Advantages and Prospects for Investors
Applying this approach allows for the rapid acquisition of commodity strategic raw materials, bypassing the complex and costly processes of discovering new deposits. The processing of sludges and tailings provides a significant advantage over greenfield projects, as it utilizes existing infrastructure, electricity supply, and logistics. This not only accelerates the launch of production but also reduces costs and minimizes environmental impact.
The Ministry of Economy is working on creating a simple and transparent regulatory framework for companies willing to invest in the processing of industrial waste. Plans are in place to ensure quick access to energy and transport infrastructure, as well as to provide necessary financial instruments and the opportunity to enter into early off-take agreements — contracts for the sale of products even at the preliminary research stage.