Ukrlithium Mining LLC (Ukrlithium) has received a special permit to develop the Polokhivske lithium deposit in full compliance with the law, the company said in a statement.
“Recently, there has been an increase in media attention around rare earth metals and the Polokhivske lithium ore deposit. This demonstrates the high interest of society and international partners in Ukraine’s resource potential. At the same time, unfounded accusations against our company have appeared in the public space. We would like to clarify this situation and provide a comprehensive explanation,” the statement said.
It is clarified that the Polokhivske deposit belongs to the Ukrainian people, as the country’s subsoil is the property of the country and its citizens. “Ukrlithium mining is the first and only company in Ukraine to obtain a special permit for the development of the Polokhivske lithium deposit in full compliance with the law, to go through all the necessary procedures and to pay mandatory payments to the state budget in the amount of UAH 119 million.
After obtaining the special permit, the company continued geological exploration and investment in research. Since 2017, it has invested more than UAH 300 million in the development of the field, conducted an international assessment of reserves, and is fulfilling its obligations to the state.
As emphasized, all processes took place under the control of state authorities. The legitimacy of the company’s operations has been repeatedly confirmed in courts, namely, more than 49 court cases have been won. The legality of the actions and decisions of the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources of Ukraine, on the basis of which Ukrlithium Mining was issued a special permit after paying all payments for subsoil use, and the special permit itself, was confirmed by the decision of the Kyiv Administrative Court of Appeal in 2019. This made it possible to continue investing in the project, even despite the war.
According to the statement, Ukrlithium mining is a legal business. Investors from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries are interested in its project. Any attempts to discredit the company’s work not only damage its reputation but also pose a threat to Ukraine’s investment climate as a whole.
“We are ready for any inspections, both Ukrainian and international. If the attacks on the company continue, we will defend our honor and business reputation in the legal field, including at the international level,” the document says.
“We are confident that we are right, so we will use all legal powers to defend ourselves,” it concludes.
In turn, the National Association of Mining Industry of Ukraine supported Ukrlithium’s position.
“We, as representatives of an industry that strives for transparency and zero tolerance for corruption, support our member and once again want to express public support for transparent and innovative Ukrainian business,” the association said in a statement.
As reported, Ukrlithium Mining LLC (Ukrlithium) intends to build a lithium mine in Kirovohrad region.
According to the company’s website, the mine is expected to operate for 15 to 20 years with an annual production of up to 200 thousand tons of petalite concentrate. The company is also exploring the possibility of building a lithium hydroxide/carbonate plant.
In addition, Ukrlithium will produce about 1,100 thousand tons per year of lithium-containing feldspar per year.
