Ukraine shows the US titanium and hafnium: what objects can be included in the Reconstruction Investment Fund
17 September 2025 17:25
Ukrainian officials together with a delegation from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) inspected industrial facilities in Kirovohrad region that could become the first projects for the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
These are the Byrzuliv Mining and Processing Plant and the Likarivske deposit, where titanium and zirconium are mined. According to Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev, there are also deposits of hafnium, a rare metal used in nuclear energy, aerospace, and defense industries.
Why it matters
Ukraine is one of the world’s key suppliers of titanium, which is strategically important for the aerospace and military industries.
The possibility of attracting US investment to develop such deposits is seen as a chance for:
- economic growth
- development of local communities,
- strengthening international security partnerships.
Details of the trip
During the visit, the officials discussed issues of subsoil use, water management, forest and natural area conservation with Kirovohrad Regional State Administration Head Andriy Raykovych.
Sobolev emphasized that it is important to assess not only the economic benefits but also the environmental impact of investments.
Who controls the fields
According to the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources:
- TheByrzulivske field is being developed by Velta Production and Marketing Company LLC (Andriy Brodsky and partners).
- TheLikarivske deposit also belonged to Velta until 2023, but the special permit was transferred to Decart Minerals, which was renamed Velta Minerals in 2025. Andriy Brodsky again became its owner through Velta Holding.
Thus, both facilities are now controlled by the same group of interests.
Investments in reconstruction
The Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine is a joint initiative of the government and international partners that is intended to become a tool for attracting private and public funds to the economic recovery.
Since 2022, the United States and the EU have declared their readiness to support not only infrastructure projects but also the mining industry, which can make Ukraine one of the centers of supply of critical metals for the West.
What’s next
In the coming months, the Ministry of Economy and the DFC will determine which objects will be included in the fund’s portfolio. After that, they will start drafting investment agreements.
Ukraine is seeking to position itself as a supplier of resources for global technology and defense companies, not just as a country in need of aid after the war.
