The Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Yehor Perelyhin, held a meeting with the UK Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of critical minerals, rare metals and materials for defence production, as well as potential formats for the involvement of British and international partners in projects in Ukraine.
During the meeting, the parties considered the establishment of a joint task force on critical minerals, rare metals and materials for the defence industry. The group would involve government institutions, leading mining, consulting and engineering companies, as well as financial institutions.
They also discussed further work on financing the “Private PPF” mechanism together with the US side, and the preparation of the groundwork for conducting feasibility studies for one or two priority deposits with the involvement of the British Geological Survey, British consulting and engineering companies, as well as partners from Canada, the United States and Australia.
“Essentially, we have formed a concrete action plan for the next 12–15 months: a cross-institutional working group with participation from top UK experts; developing the foundation needed to conduct feasibility studies for specific priority deposits; and targeted decisions on training and strengthening occupational safety. This allows us to move from general intentions to concrete steps and to begin preparing real investment projects in the field of critical minerals – with private capital and clear requirements for environmental protection and worker safety,” noted Yehor Perelyhin, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The parties also discussed opportunities for implementing programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the qualifications of Ukrainian specialists and geologists, as well as the possibility of developing a joint project to support occupational safety in Ukraine’s mining sector, particularly for projects related to critical minerals.
At the next stage, the FCDO and the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine will compile a list of companies to be invited to participate in the joint working format and prepare an agreed plan for its activities.
The State Geological Service of Ukraine and the British Geological Survey will begin drafting a memorandum of cooperation and consider a series of concrete steps to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian Geological Service.
The meeting with UK Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty took place as part of an official working visit to London.