Fact Check: On June 16, 2023, the Ukrainian government approved initial steps to open the Dobra lithium deposit in Kirovohrad Oblast to private investors.

Fact Check: "On June 16, 2023, the Ukrainian government approved initial steps to open the Dobra lithium deposit in Kirovohrad Oblast to private investors."

What We Know

On June 16, 2023, the Ukrainian government took significant steps towards allowing private investors to mine the Dobra lithium deposit, a state-owned resource located in Kirovohrad Oblast. This decision is part of a broader agreement with the United States regarding the development of critical minerals, which was signed earlier in May 2023 (New York Times, RBC). The Dobra deposit is one of Ukraine's largest lithium sources, estimated to contain between 80 to 105 million tonnes of ore, with lithium oxide concentrations between 1.1% and 1.4% (RBC, Yahoo Finance).

The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the drafting of recommendations for a bidding process to allow private companies to develop the deposit, marking the first project under the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement (New York Times, United24 Media). Potential bidders include TechMet, an investment firm partly owned by the U.S. government, and businessman Ronald Lauder, a known ally of former President Trump (RBC, Yahoo Finance).

Analysis

The claim that the Ukrainian government approved initial steps to open the Dobra lithium deposit is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The New York Times, a well-regarded publication, reported that the Ukrainian government confirmed the decision to allow private investment in the Dobra deposit, emphasizing the strategic importance of lithium for electric vehicle battery production (New York Times).

RBC and other news outlets corroborate this information, detailing the government's plans to draft recommendations for a tender process aimed at attracting private investment (RBC, Yahoo Finance). The involvement of U.S. investors and the strategic nature of the project, especially in the context of reducing reliance on Chinese minerals, adds credibility to the claim (RBC, United24 Media).

However, it is essential to consider the potential challenges associated with this initiative. Experts have pointed out that outdated geological surveys, damaged infrastructure due to ongoing conflict, and concerns over corruption in Ukraine could hinder the successful development of the Dobra deposit (New York Times, Yahoo Finance). Despite these challenges, the initial approval marks a significant step in Ukraine's efforts to attract foreign investment in its mineral resources.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly supports the claim that on June 16, 2023, the Ukrainian government approved initial steps to open the Dobra lithium deposit to private investors. This decision is part of a broader strategy to engage with U.S. investors and capitalize on Ukraine's mineral wealth, particularly lithium, which is critical for modern technology and energy solutions.

Fact Check: On June 16, 2023, the Ukrainian government approved initial steps to open the Dobra lithium deposit in Kirovohrad Oblast to private investors.