The "DNR" occupiers aim to establish the extraction and processing of lithium. This information was shared by russian official Vladimir Yezhikov, dispatched by the kremlin to Donetsk as the "Deputy Chairman of the Government".
"In the DNR, there is the Shevchenkivske lithium deposit – one of the largest in Europe, and there is an interest in its development... The license will be issued by a federal structure; this will be resolved at the level of the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources", - he stated.
The official added that this deposit has significant potential and will become a crucial element of the region's economy. "This deposit will definitely find its licensee; there will definitely be investments and lithium extraction. We would, of course, like further processing to take place here", - he emphasized.
Yezhikov clarified that currently, the deposit is in a "grey zone", and due to ongoing hostilities, it is not feasible to conduct development activities there.
Lithium is an alkali metal, a crucial element in the production of batteries for mobile devices, laptops, and electric vehicles, as well as for creating lightweight and durable structural materials. One of its significant applications is in nuclear energy. In russia, there has been no extraction and processing of lithium for 30 years. However, after the cessation of supplies from Latin America, efforts have been initiated to explore domestic sources of lithium.