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".
