In the vast quarries near Zhytomyr, Ukraine, giant excavators work around the clock, extracting valuable titanium ore. With approximately 20% of the world’s titanium reserves, Ukraine sees itself as a potential global leader in the critical mineral sector.
Operations manager Dmytro Holik envisions Ukraine as a European titanium hub, an ambition that aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s interest in securing strategic minerals. After weeks of negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Washington to sign a natural resources pact with Trump, though details remain unclear.
“This deal could be a great success, or it could pass quietly,” Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that its impact hinges on discussions with Trump. The agreement reportedly involves Ukraine investing revenue from future mineral projects into a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund. In return, Zelenskyy seeks security guarantees from Trump post-war, but the former U.S. president has been noncommittal, focusing instead on financial returns.
Titanium, prized for its strength, density, and lightweight properties, is critical for industries ranging from engineering to electronics. While Ukraine’s titanium industry dates back to Soviet times, lack of investment and political instability have hindered growth. Holik believes Trump’s mineral pact could attract much-needed investment and infrastructure improvements.
Geologist Andrii Loktiev sees U.S. involvement as an opportunity to access advanced mining technologies that Ukraine lacks. The country holds an estimated 5% of the world’s critical minerals, including graphite, lithium, and beryllium. However, Loktiev warns that realizing the deal’s benefits could take years, with the ongoing war remaining the biggest obstacle to progress.
Graphite, another crucial mineral, is processed in Kirovohrad oblast. Unlike titanium, its production has been severely impacted by the war, with outdated equipment and limited investment restricting operations. CEO Ostap Kostyuk of Zavalivskiy Graphite insists that foreign companies should pay their fair share if they enter Ukraine’s mining sector.
Despite hopes for economic growth, skepticism remains. Many Ukrainians, especially war veterans, distrust Trump’s intentions, fearing U.S. firms may exploit their resources without proper reciprocity. As Trump continues to voice controversial views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, doubts persist about whether this minerals pact will truly benefit Ukraine or serve primarily American interests.
Source: Swifteradio.com
