In the global race for critical minerals, which power everything from electric vehicles to air defence systems, the dominance of a single country has long been a cause for concern in Western capitals. China controls around 90% of the global market for critical raw materials.
Yet today, at the epicentre of the biggest military conflict in Europe since the Second World War, an unexpected alternative is emerging. Ukraine, despite the military risks, is confidently integrating itself into Western supply chains, offering the world its resources and a new philosophy of partnership.
At the United by Mining international forum in Kyiv, this paradigm shift was the central theme. Yulia Lushpienko, a representative of the investment company BGV Group Management, speaking before industry leaders, put forward a thesis that could become the new motto of Ukrainian mining: ‘Ore in itself is worth very little. It is people who come together in partnerships that make minerals valuable.
What has already been achieved on this path?
- EU recognition: The BGV Graphite project has been granted strategic status for Europe. Ukraine is integrating into Western supply chains even before its official accession to the European Union.
- International capital: A memorandum has been signed with the EBRD, confirming the ability of Ukrainian businesses to pass rigorous due diligence even during wartime.
- Beryllium breakthrough: The expected payback period for the new beryllium mining project is up to 5 years (compared to the global norm of 8–15 years).
Why is Ukrainian business categorically rejecting the Chinese market, and how does it plan to revive the ‘investment nanny’ law?
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