New Lithium Tender: From Shadow Deals to Transparency

Lithium — the “white gold” of the energy transition — has long been a sensitive resource in Ukraine. For many years, access to strategic deposits was arranged through non-transparent schemes. People close to political power attempted to capture lithium and other mineral assets through insider arrangements rather than open competition. Such practices undermined public trust and discouraged responsible investors.

Today, the picture looks different. On 27 August 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers announced an open competition for the development of the Dobra lithium deposit in the Kirovograd region. This strategic site will be allocated under a transparent procedure, marking a decisive step away from backroom deals toward EU-aligned standards.

The change also fits into a broader new context. In 2025, Ukraine and the United States signed a cooperation agreement on critical raw materials, laying the groundwork for joint projects in lithium and other resources. A clean, transparent tender process is the best way to turn that agreement into a real investment and technological partnerships.

While past attempts to monopolise resources cast a long shadow, today’s open call is a milestone. If implemented credibly, Ukraine’s mining sector could shift from a story of insider capture to one of transparency, rule of law, and international cooperation.

👉 Entrypoint is preparing a broader Business Intelligence overview of Ukraine’s mineral sector, covering its history and future. It will soon become available to subscribers through our website entrypointgroup.com.