According to Mining.com, citing Reuters, Ukrainian officials and representatives from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are conducting on-site assessments to identify potential mining investments—marking a key step in implementing a bilateral minerals agreement signed in April 2025.

The deal, brokered under strong advocacy from President Donald Trump during his return to the White House, grants the United States priority rights to develop new Ukrainian mineral projects in exchange for investment. For Ukraine, the agreement is seen as a strategic avenue to secure U.S. capital for economic recovery, infrastructure reconstruction, and continued defense support.

Ukrainian Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev announced on October 13 that the government is committed to fast-tracking implementation, with three pilot mining projects expected to be finalized within the next 18 months.

Speaking at a high-level meeting in Kyiv attended by Ukrainian, U.S., and EU officials, Sobolev said:

“U.S. teams are already conducting field visits. Tomorrow, we will accompany them to prospective regions to identify investment targets.”

The agreement stipulates that 50% of revenues from U.S.-backed Ukrainian mining projects will flow into a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund, with profits shared equally between the two countries. Beyond mining—which is capital-intensive and requires long lead times—the fund will also support investments in energy and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine is exceptionally rich in critical minerals: it possesses 22 of the 34 minerals the European Union deems essential for defense, high-tech industries, and the green energy transition. The country also produces:

• Ferroalloys vital for steelmaking

• Industrial non-metallic minerals for construction

• Certain precious metals and rare earth elements

The initiative reflects a broader geopolitical realignment, where resource access and strategic partnerships are increasingly intertwined with security and reconstruction aid. As Minister Sobolev emphasized, this collaboration is not just about minerals—it’s about building a resilient, post-war Ukrainian economy with U.S. backing.

(Source: Ministry of Natural Resources)