Ukraine has handed over the rights to mine some of its most valuable mineral deposits, including gold, kaolin, and graphite, to a Turkish company called Onur Group. The company is preparing to begin mining operations in 2026, focusing on areas known for their high mineral wealth. Here are the key details ¹:

- *Mineral Deposits:*

- *Gold Deposit*: Located in the Dnepropetrovsk region, but Onur Group has decided not to invest further due to low gold yield.

- *Kaolin Deposits*: Spread across the Kirovograd and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

- *Graphite Deposit*: Located in Khmelnytsky, with estimated reserves of nearly 143 million tons and an average graphite carbon content of 5.14%.

- *Timeline:* Onur Group plans to launch exploitation efforts for graphite in 2026.

- *Significance:* The European Union recognizes the strategic importance of Ukraine's graphite deposit and has included it in its list of key projects, highlighting its significance for Europe's critical mineral needs.

- *Global Context:* This deal highlights a growing global focus on securing rare earth minerals and other key industrial materials, crucial for manufacturing electronics, renewable energy components, and military technology. Countries and companies are scrambling to lock in access to these natural resources ¹.