Exploration and mining perspectives of the critical elements for green technologies in Ukraine

Abstract

Abstract The state of the mineral resource base of Ukraine for a number of elements that are essential for the development of ‘green power energy’ in Europe is analysed. Four groups can be distinguished that differ in degree of geological certainty, available reserves and stages of potential and/or commercial development. (1) Iron, manganese and graphite – large-scale deposits that have been developed for a long time in Ukraine and have almost unlimited resources/perspectives for further production. (2) Lithium and rare-earth elements (REEs) – deposits that have mostly been explored and possess considerable reserves; these deposits are not under exploitation but can be brought into commercial production pending appropriate geological and economic evaluation. (3) Cobalt and nickel – deposits that have been discovered but their reserves are rather small and some technological problems of ore beneficiation exist; these deposits can be developed only in the case of additional confirmation of their economic feasibility by objective economic and geological evaluation. (4) Aluminium and lead – small deposits and manifestations that are known but their reserves and ore grades are rather low, and, as a result, their exploitation is doubtful and perspectives for commercial output are not clear.