8 Things We Know About Ukraine and Rare Earths 

Contact Your Elected Officials

The United States and Ukraine reached a rare earth minerals deal—but how expansive are Ukraine’s mineral deposits?

The United States and Ukraine on April 30 finally signed the minerals deal that was delayed by the now-infamous Oval Office exchange between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents two months ago.

With China continuing to tighten its grip on critical minerals after the imposition of U.S. tariffs, control of so-called rare earths—essential for the production of many new technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphones—is becoming ever more important.

Here is what we know about rare earths—and what might be in the ground in Ukraine.

1. Rare Earths, Not so Rare

Kyiv claims that its untapped mineral wealth is of potentially extraordinary worth.

Rare earth elements, a group of 17 essential elements, play a key role in powering modern technology, from electric vehicle motors to missile guidance systems.

These critical elements are found in low concentrations in minerals, and they are difficult to separate from other elements, requiring specialist or even toxic extraction processes. Some of these processes are unavailable to the West because of China’s grip on rare earth element technology.

Moreover, while some of these elements, such as dysprosium, samarium, and praseodymium, are called “rare,” they are not in fact rare in the Earth’s crust and can be found in many places.

China overtook the United States in the 1990s to become the largest rare earth element-producing and -exporting country, and it was in that context that the Ukrainian president offered the United States access to what he claims are Europe’s largest reserves of the critical minerals titanium and uranium.

But there is one caveat. About 20 percent of Ukraine’s mineral resources, including about half its rare earth elements deposits, are in areas under Russian occupation.

And while titanium deposits have been identified in northwestern Ukraine, far from the fighting, Russia knows exactly where Ukraine’s critical resources are as a result of Soviet-era geological surveys.

2. What’s in the Ground in Ukraine?

Authorities in Ukraine say it has minerals. However, no commercial exploration has been conducted.

In a document from the Ukrainian Geological Survey’s critical minerals portfolio, authorities said that rare earth elements have been identified in complex deposits and ore occurrences within the Ukrainian Shield, a large geological formation in Ukraine.

The document said that six deposits contain tantalum, niobium, and beryllium, which are prized in the aerospace industry.

It also said that while lithium is not mined in Ukraine, the country’s lithium reserves account for about one-third of the proven reserves in Europe and approximately 3 percent of global deposits.

By Owen Evans

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

Tucker EN FUEGO: Taking Stock of MAGA, Ten Years on

Draining of the Swamp has yet to come anything close to fruition, as the creatures that populate said Swamp yet cling bitterly to power.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

June Lockhart, Beloved Mother Figure From ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ Dies at 100

June Lockhart, a mother figure for a generation of TV viewers whether at home in “Lassie” or in the stratosphere in “Lost in Space,” has died at 100.

Kamala Harris Teases New White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’

Kamala Harris hinted in a BBC interview that she may run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t ruled out another White House bid.

TCM Classic Tour at Warner Bros. Studio: Finding Stardust in Today’s Hollywood

Warner Bros. launched the TCM Classic Films Tour in April 2024, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the studio’s historic movie legacy.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central