The implementation of the project to develop the Dobra lithium deposit in the Kirovohrad region will provide jobs and budget revenues for the Ukrainian economy, but the maximum effect for the economy is possible if processing and final product manufacturing are localized in the country. This was reported by the Experts Club expert and analytical center, citing Vladimir Khaustov, scientific secretary of the Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
Khaustov noted that when exporting raw materials or concentrate, the main added value will be generated outside Ukraine, while the production of batteries and other lithium-based products would significantly increase the project’s contribution to economic development.
At the same time, he pointed to the risks of market changes and technological transition to alternative solutions for energy storage devices. According to his estimates, the path from the start of development of the deposit to the release of the final product could take about 15 years, during which time other types of batteries, such as aluminum-ion or sodium batteries, or even other types of energy storage devices, could appear on the market.
As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has selected the winner of the competition for the development of the Dobra lithium deposit under a production sharing agreement (PSA) — Dobra Lithium Holdings JV, LLC, whose shareholders are Techmet and The Rock Holdings. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said that the project involves attracting at least $179 million in investments, including $12 million for geological exploration and international audit of reserves and $167 million for the organization of extraction and enrichment upon confirmation of industrial reserves.
The PSA competition for the Dobre field was announced in September 2025. According to the State Service of Geology and Subsoil, the 17.07 sq km site is located in the Kirovograd region, and the winner will receive a special permit for a period of 50 years. In addition to lithium, the project covers a number of associated metals.
Sources cite the land ownership structure in the deposit area and environmental procedures, including the need for a new environmental impact assessment and public discussion, as additional challenges for the investor.
