MINEX Forum

Tag: Onur Group

  • Turkey’s Onur Group to Begin Mining Major Ukrainian Mineral Deposits in 2026

    Turkey’s Onur Group to Begin Mining Major Ukrainian Mineral Deposits in 2026

    Ukraine has granted Turkish conglomerate Onur Group five special permits to mine some of the country’s most valuable mineral deposits, including graphite, gold, and kaolin. The mining operations, scheduled to begin in 2026, are focused on high-potential regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd, and Khmelnytsky.

    Among the five sites, the graphite deposit in the Khmelnytsky region stands out. The Gorodnyavskoye deposit alone holds nearly 143 million tonnes of ore with a graphite carbon content of 5.14%. Experts estimate the deposit could support extraction for over a century. The European Union has recognized its strategic value, listing it among key critical mineral projects vital for Europe’s industrial supply chains.

    However, not all prospects proved economically viable. Onur Group has pulled back from plans to develop a gold site in Dnipropetrovsk after testing revealed lower-than-expected yields of just 1.4 grams per tonne—significantly below the 4.5 grams originally projected.

    While four sites remain in early stages due to safety and logistical issues—partly owing to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict—the graphite project is moving forward. Mining at Gorodnyavskoye is expected to begin in 2026.

    The deal underscores Turkey’s growing interest in critical mineral supply chains. Rare earths and graphite are essential for high-tech manufacturing, energy storage, and defense. With global supply chain pressures intensifying, this venture positions Turkey as a key player while also highlighting Ukraine’s mineral wealth as a geopolitical asset.

  • Turkey’s Onur Group Secures Ukraine’s Top Mineral Sites Amid EU Strategic Push

    Turkey’s Onur Group Secures Ukraine’s Top Mineral Sites Amid EU Strategic Push

    Ukraine has granted Turkish conglomerate Onur Group exclusive access to exploit some of its most prized mineral reserves—including graphite, kaolin, and gold—marking a significant step in international investment amid regional conflict and economic uncertainty. The company is expected to launch operations in 2026, starting with what may be Ukraine’s largest graphite deposit in the Khmelnytsky region.

    According to reports from Czech outlet Body Guru, Onur Group currently holds five special mining permits. These include one gold deposit in the Dnipropetrovsk region, three kaolin sites spread across Kirovograd and Dnipropetrovsk, and the massive Gorodnyavskoye graphite deposit. The latter boasts 143 million tonnes of approved ore with an average graphite carbon content of 5.14%, promising up to 130 years of extraction potential.

    The graphite project has been recognized by the European Union as strategically important, reinforcing its role in securing Europe’s supply of critical raw materials essential for electronics, electric vehicles, and green technologies.

    Despite initial optimism, Onur Group has walked away from the gold deposit after discovering far lower-than-expected mineral grades—just 1.4 grams of gold per tonne, compared to the projected 4.5 grams. This economic mismatch rendered the project unfeasible.

    While four of the five mining sites remain in preparation stages due to logistical and security challenges near conflict zones, Onur’s efforts represent more than just a commercial venture—they also illustrate Turkey’s strategic push to increase influence over key mineral supply chains.

    As global competition intensifies over rare earth elements and industrial minerals, Ukraine’s openness to foreign investors may offer both risks and rewards. For some, the move raises concerns over sovereignty and long-term control of national resources. For others, it signals a pragmatic path toward economic recovery and integration with Western supply chains.

  • Turkish construction giant buys Ukrainian granite mining business

    Turkish construction giant buys Ukrainian granite mining business

    Turkish multinational Onur Group has acquired Rokytnivskyi Spetskaryer LLC, a Ukrainian company that mines granite, granodiorite and gabbro-diabase at the Rokytne deposit in Rivne Oblast, the company’s Facebook page reported on Aug. 22.

    The project is a part of ONUR GROUP Mining & Quarrying.

    According to the YouControl data monitoring platform, Onur Construction International LLC became sole owner of Rokytnivskyi Spetskaryer LLC in May 2023. Turkish nationals Ihsan and Onur Çetinceviz were later named as final beneficiaries.

    The previous owners were Ihor Pastukh of Rokytne and Inna Samoylyk of Rivne.

    Journalist outlet Nadra.info estimates Onur now controls a number of Ukrainian subsurface assets through acquired companies:

    • Granite, granodiorite and gabbro-diabase: Rokytne deposit, Rivne Oblast – Rokytnivskyi Spetskaryer LLC (owners Ihsan and Onur Çetinceviz);
    • Migmatites: Yunashkivske deposit, Vinnytsia Oblast – Yunashkivskyi Spetskaryer LLC (owner Onur Çetinceviz);
    • Primary kaolin: Ivanivska area with Ivanivskyi occurrence, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – Spys Ukraine LLC (owners Onur Çetinceviz and Murat Kavak);
    • Primary kaolin: Myroliubivsko-Dniprovska area (north-eastern part), Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – Kopie Ukraina LLC;
    • Primary kaolin, sand: Pavlivske deposit, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – Kopie Ukraina LLC;
    • Gold ores: Zhovtovodska area, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – Kopie Ukraine LLC;
    • Graphite: Horodnyavska area of Burtyn deposit, Khmelnytskyi Oblast – Kopie Ukraina LLC;
    • Sand: Pivdenno-Trostyanetske deposit, Lviv Oblast – Agrobudservice LLC (owner Onur Çetinceviz).