The Ukrainian lithium industry faces challenges due to competition and the cost of mining

After the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential elections, the Ukrainian authorities are actively discussing the possibility of attracting American investments in lithium deposits. However, experts are skeptical of this idea, pointing to a number of significant problems.

Yehor Perelyhin, CEO of the Ukrainian mining company UMCC Titanium , notes that Ukrainian lithium deposits are currently not ready for development. Among the main problems are the high cost of production due to the mining method of development, as well as the uncompetitive price of electricity.

"The cost of mining in Ukraine is significantly higher than similar indicators in Australia, Argentina, Chile or China," explains Perelyhin. In addition, the construction of mines and mining and processing plants requires hundreds of millions of dollars of investment, and the construction of an electrochemical plant - about a billion dollars.

One of the most promising Ukrainian lithium deposits was considered to be the Shevchenkiv deposit in Donetsk region. However, due to the war, its development became impossible: the front came close, and Russian troops continue to advance. Even under favorable conditions, the production cost would remain extremely high.

Even if internal problems are solved, Ukraine faces tough competition on the world market. According to Perelygin, there is now a surplus of lithium caused by excess production and technological dominance of China.

"Chinese companies are ready to work at a loss in order to displace their competitors. Lithium prices will remain low for the next 2-3 years," the expert predicts.

The Ukrainian thesis "come to us, we have lithium" looks incorrect, claims Perelighin. The deposits are not prepared, and the economic indicators do not allow us to compete with other countries.

The problem also lies in the lack of a clear strategy for the development of the lithium industry. Without significant investments, technological solutions and competitive infrastructure, Ukraine risks being left out of the global "lithium boom".

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

popular

Share this post:

More like this
HERE

Former Minister Ihor Shevchenko became the leader in spending on political advertising on Facebook

Former Minister of Ecology Ihor Shevchenko became the first in the ranking...

"I want to be a good mother": singer Dasha Astafieva explained why she still doesn't have children

Ukrainian singer and model Dasha Astafieva responded to gossip...

Poroshenko declared over UAH 55 million for October: most of the money came from the Hungarian Ministry of Finance

People's Deputy and leader of "European Solidarity" Petro Poroshenko in...

A firm from the orbit of ex-taxpayer Afonov appears in tax evasion schemes

LLC "BK CLEVER" (EDRPOU 39440425) has found itself in the spotlight...

"Catastrophic" 2026: Ukraine risks being left without EU assistance

Next year could be critical for Ukraine financially. The People's...

A cup of cocoa every day may be good for the blood vessels of office workers

A sedentary lifestyle worsens the condition of blood vessels and increases the risks...

Three convicts from Ladyzhynska colony were preparing a contract killing

In Vinnytsia region, law enforcement officers exposed an organized criminal group that...

Former head of Luhansk region Tuka warns: the war will not end quickly and may spread to other countries

The war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is far from over —...