SaralnamaOn 27 Aug 2025, Ukraine launched a tender for mining rights at the Dobra lithium deposit in the Kirovohrad region. This is the first project under a joint investment fund with the United States, agreed in April 2025, aiming to boost Ukraine's economy and reconstruction amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The deal, influenced by former US President Donald Trump, gives American firms preferential access to Ukrainian minerals. The winning bidder will get a 50-year licence and must invest at least $179 million for exploration and production. The project also requires environmental care, use of Ukrainian goods and labour, and community development. The lithium deposit is important for batteries and green technologies. However, there is a dispute as a Nasdaq-listed company claims rights to the site. Ukraine hopes this move will strengthen US support and attract investment to its natural resource sector. (Updated 28 Aug 2025, 18:55 IST; source: link)