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2w ago

Ukraine Awards Dobra Lithium Project to U.S.-Linked Consortium in $179 Million PSA Pilot

Kyiv casts the PSA pilot as a gateway for U.S.-backed capital into critical minerals during reconstruction.

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Overview

  • Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed Dobra Lithium Holdings JV, LLC—owned by TechMet and The Rock Holdings—won the tender to develop the Dobra deposit in Kirovohrad region.
  • The project is set to draw at least $179 million, allocating $12 million for new geological exploration and an international audit and $167 million for extraction and processing if commercial reserves are confirmed.
  • The award uses a production sharing agreement for the first time in a Ukrainian lithium tender, keeping state ownership of the deposit while partnering with private operators.
  • Officials say the PSA may run up to 50 years, with a 4% state profit share in the early phase rising to 22% after the company recoups initial costs, alongside rental, corporate, and employee taxes.
  • TechMet is backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and U.S. media have reported investor ties to President Donald Trump, including Ronald Lauder; a deputy economy minister said the project could ultimately attract over $500 million.