U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Starter Projects

planning/progress

A U.S. delegation scouted Ukrainian titanium, zirconium, and hafnium deposits to assess potential starter projects for the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal. The delegation visited the Byrzulivskyi Mining and Processing Plant and the Likarivske deposit in Kirovohrad Oblast, central Ukraine. Both assets are owned by Ukrainian titanium producer Velta Holding, which has mined titanium ore on the Byrzulivskyi site for over 14 years and plans to produce titanium, zirconium, and hafnium at the Likarivske deposit. The project aims to offer an alternative source of critical materials away from China, create jobs, and contribute to budgets at various levels. The minerals are critical for defense, aerospace, tech sectors, and nuclear reactors. The minerals deal signed earlier this year gives the U.S. special access to investment projects in Ukraine, spanning natural resources, related infrastructure, and defense projects. The board of managers is creating a list of initial projects to be feasibly developed, with hopes to kickstart three high-quality projects in the next 18 months.