Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, estimated to be worth $26 trillion, have drawn significant international attention. The country’s subsoil holds approximately 5% of the world’s total mineral resources, including rare earth metals, which have sparked particular interest from the new US president.
Ukraine boasts over 20,000 mineral deposits of at least 20 types, making it a key player in the global mining industry. Among its most valuable resources are iron ore, titanium, manganese, uranium, rare earth metals, graphite, lithium, gallium, copper, and zinc.
The Kryvyi Rih Basin is home to Ukraine’s largest iron ore reserves, estimated at 27.4 billion tons, accounting for over 90% of the country’s production. Ukraine also holds the largest titanium reservesin Europe, representing about 7% of the global total, a critical resource for industries like aerospaceand medical equipment.
In addition, Ukraine is a global leader in manganese reserves, with significant deposits in the Nikopol Basin. The country also possesses 2.3% of the world’s uranium reserves and a variety of rare earth metals essential for nuclear energy and advanced technologies.
Ukraine ranks among the top five countries globally for natural graphite reserves, with 18 million tonsof confirmed deposits and 100 million tons of potential resources. The country is also a major supplier of lithium, with estimated reserves of 500,000 tons, crucial for battery production.
Furthermore, Ukraine is the fifth-largest producer of gallium, a vital component in semiconductor manufacturing, and a significant producer of copper (4th in Europe) and zinc (6th in Europe).
