Lithium extraction in Ukraine with U.S. partnership may take 5–10 years, expert says

He shared this information on Espreso TV.  

"It will take at least a year after demining all territories to begin extracting rare earth minerals. In a positive scenario, demining could take up to five years, covering thousands of square kilometers. Additionally, geodetic exploration is necessary to precisely locate rare earth metal deposits," Romaniuk explained.  

The expert noted that the preparatory process for lithium extraction could take up to 10 years, as different metal compositions require specific technological processing.

"Today, Ukraine controls over 30% of its rare earth metal deposits, which were initially explored during the Soviet era. More than 70% of the territory where lithium deposits are expected is currently occupied by Russia. Therefore, we should not rule out utilizing the remaining 30%, as we risk losing them as well.  

Right now, we need weapons to defend our territories and sovereignty. Moreover, geodetic exploration takes years, not months, and only afterward can extraction begin. Additionally, factors like lithium composition must be considered, as different types require specific processing technologies.  

Thus, even under an optimistic scenario, it would take 5 to 10 years just to start lithium extraction," he emphasized.

Exchange of Ukrainian rare earth metals for U.S. aid: Background

U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that he wants to negotiate a deal with Ukraine, exchanging rare earth elements for American aid. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the proposal.  

Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak suggested that Trump’s statement was aimed at a domestic audience in the U.S. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later expressed readiness to reach an agreement on exchanging Ukraine’s mineral resources for U.S. military assistance. However, he emphasized that Kyiv does not intend to give away its natural resources but seeks a mutually beneficial partnership for national development.  

On February 11, Trump claimed that Ukraine had "essentially agreed" to provide Washington with minerals worth $500 billion in exchange for military aid.

• Senior economist at the Center for Economic Strategy, Volodymyr Landa, noted that Trump spoke about rare earth materials that are essentially non-existent in Ukraine.