Ukraine holds substantial reserves of titanium, potentially accounting for up to 20% of the global supply, according to Olena Remezova, Doctor of Science in Geology and Chief of the Mineral Deposits Geology Department at the Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Speaking to RBC-Ukraine, Remezova emphasized Ukraine’s strategic potential in both titanium extraction and building stones, which could significantly influence global markets.
Despite some international estimates suggesting Ukraine’s titanium reserves are less than 1% of the world total, Remezova asserts that this is a major underestimation. Even Ukraine’s average titanium deposits surpass many found in Russia, solidifying its position as a key player in the strategic metal’s supply chain.
In addition to titanium, Ukraine is also developing a robust industry for building stones, particularly granite and labradorite. The Zhytomyr region alone boasts around 300 quarries extracting non-metallic materials for construction and decorative applications. Ukrainian labradorites, known for their iridescent properties, are especially prized on the global market, with few equivalents found outside of regions like Norway.
Ukraine’s geological wealth extends beyond titanium and building stones. The country is home to significant rare earth metal deposits concentrated in the Zhytomyr and Cherkasy regions, as well as the Eastern Azov Sea region, all critical for modern technologies.
With its vast reserves and growing extraction capabilities, Ukraine is well-positioned to become a major global supplier of these critical materials, potentially reshaping markets and reducing dependency on other producers.
