Minerals and shale gas are the jewels of Ukraine.
They just happen to be in the land grab that Putin has managed at great cost.
Perhaps a Neutral zone where Russia and the US can develope them with free enterprise would be a lasting and peaceful solution?
Ukraine has many assets and resources, including:
Minerals
Ukraine has large deposits of critical minerals, including graphite, lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals:
- Graphite: Ukraine has 19 million tonnes of proven reserves, making it one of the top five graphite suppliers in the world. Graphite is used in electric vehicle batteries.
- Lithium: Ukraine has one of Europe's largest lithium reserves, estimated at 500,000 metric tons. Lithium is used in batteries, ceramics, and glass.
- Titanium: Ukraine was a key supplier of titanium, producing about 7% of global output in 2019.
Natural gas
Ukraine has large reserves of natural gas, ranking second in Europe and fourth in production.
Fertile soil
Ukraine has chernozem, a humus-rich grassland soil that's used for growing cereals and raising livestock.
Agricultural products
Ukraine is a major exporter of food, producing over 46 percent of global supplies of sunflower and safflower oil.
Water resources
The Donbas region has water resources that sustain farming operations across southern Ukraine and Crimea.
However, Ukraine's mineral sector is underdeveloped due to:
- War-related damage
- Outdated infrastructure
- Lack of investment
- Most projects remaining in the exploration phase
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