On 1 December, a roundtable on the development of the critical minerals sector took place in London with the participation of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The discussion focused on opportunities for developing critical mineral extraction and processing in Ukraine, as well as attracting UK businesses and institutional capital.
The event was held as part of London Mining Week and the international Resourcing Tomorrow conference, and forms part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategic dialogue with international partners in the field of critical minerals.
The roundtable brought together Yehor Perelyhin, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine; UK representatives led by Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty; Jonathan Taylor from DFC; as well as representatives from the private sector, financial institutions, insurance, legal firms and stakeholders engaged in the mining industry.
The Ukrainian side presented the key elements of the updated critical minerals development strategy, the current state of investment project preparation, and potential areas of cooperation with the United Kingdom. Particular attention was given to the role of critical minerals in supporting the energy transition, and in strengthening defence, aerospace and high-tech industries, as well as the growing global need to diversify supply chains.
“Ukraine views the critical minerals sector as one of the drivers of post-war recovery and industrial growth. Together with our partners, we are working to ensure that Ukrainian projects are integrated into reliable supply chains for European and British manufacturers,” noted Yehor Perelyhin, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
During the discussion, participants also reviewed a number of potential investment projects, including those developed in partnership with the US–Ukraine Reconstruction Fund. The sides explored a range of tools to deepen cooperation, including access to financing, insurance against war and political risks, improvements to the regulatory environment, and the preparation of bankable investment-ready projects.
Following the roundtable, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing bilateral dialogue and moving toward the implementation of concrete projects. The Ukrainian delegation will continue its work in London within London Mining Week and the Resourcing Tomorrow conference, focusing on building full value chains and expanding industrial cooperation with international partners.