Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Yehor Perelyhin held a working meeting with the leadership of the British Geological Survey (BGS) – the United Kingdom’s national geoscience agency responsible for geological mapping, assessment of mineral resources, and analysis of geological risks.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to prepare a Memorandum of Cooperation between the British Geological Survey and the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources of Ukraine. The document will establish a framework for joint research, data exchange, and the launch of collaborative projects in geology and mining.

One of the priority areas is the modernization of geological mapping in Ukraine. This includes updating the metallogenic map of Ukraine at a 1:500,000 scale (last revised in 2002) and completing work under the State Geological Map 200 (1:200,000) program.

“Together with the British Geological Survey, we are moving from individual contacts to systematic cooperation. A memorandum between the geological services, updated geological maps, improved quality and accuracy of geological data, training of specialists, and expanding the pool of deposits prepared for auctions or PSAs – all of this forms the foundation for a modern mining sector in Ukraine. Our goal is to ensure that investor decisions rely on accurate and up-to-date information, transparent resource estimates, and best international practices,” noted Deputy Minister Yehor Perelyhin.

The parties also plan to develop training and professional development programs for Ukrainian geologists and specialists, as human capital and scientific expertise are essential for the growth of strategic sectors.

In the longer term, Ukraine sees potential to propose joint projects to British partners involving detailed regional mapping under the State Geological Map 50 (1:50,000) program for the most promising areas containing critical and strategic minerals.

The meeting also addressed the creation of a joint task force to coordinate projects in the field of critical minerals and safe mining. Major service companies may be involved to provide expertise on priority-setting, improving resource estimation methodologies, and enhancing geological data quality.

At the next stage, Ukraine and the United Kingdom will focus on finalizing the memorandum text, identifying priority mapping projects, preparing joint training programs for Ukrainian geologists and specialists, and launching the task force for cooperation on critical minerals and safe extraction. Working with British partners, Ukraine aims to build a safer and more technologically advanced mining sector.

As part of the visit to London, the Ukrainian delegation also participated in a roundtable on the development of the critical minerals sector, held a meeting with the UK Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty, and conducted a series of consultations on cooperation with strategic partners in subsoil use.