09.01.2026 22:56
Ukraine granted rights to develop a lithium deposit in the Kirovohrad region to TechMet.
In early January 2026, the Ukrainian government effectively finalized the transfer of development rights for one of the country’s largest lithium deposits to a foreign consortium. Media reports indicate that the group includes investors closely connected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s political circle.
On January 8, a Ukrainian state commission selected the winner of a tender to develop the Dobra lithium deposit in the Kirovohrad region — one of the most promising lithium sites in Ukraine.
The consortium is led by:
- TechMet, a strategic metals and energy investment company partially backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established during Trump’s first administration.
- Ronald S. Lauder, an American billionaire, heir to the Estée Lauder empire and a long-time political ally of Donald Trump.
Although formal approval by Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers is still pending, sources say the decision is essentially settled.
Why it matters
Lithium is a critical material for electric vehicle batteries, consumer electronics and energy storage technologies. As the global energy transition accelerates, lithium has become a strategically vital resource.
With the Dobra deposit, Ukraine could eventually emerge as a significant lithium supplier to global markets.
How the deal works
The project will be implemented under a production-sharing agreement (PSA). Investors gain extraction rights while profits are shared with the state. Part of the revenue will also flow into a joint U.S.–Ukraine investment fund focused on developing critical mineral resources.
Political background
The deal follows a series of agreements between Kyiv and Washington throughout 2025. Ukraine and the United States signed a framework agreement on cooperation in mineral resources, which President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed directly with Donald Trump during a meeting in the Vatican.
For Ukraine, the project promises long-term investment and technological expertise. For the U.S., it offers a strategic foothold in global critical mineral supply chains.
Public reaction
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Critics warn about foreign control over strategic resources, while supporters highlight the deal’s economic and geopolitical importance.
By granting development rights for a major lithium deposit to a U.S.-linked consortium, Ukraine has taken a significant step toward strengthening its resource sector and deepening strategic ties with the United States.