Australia and the US show growing interest in Ukrainian minerals
Australia is one of the global leaders in the mining industry. According to Myroshnychenko, this experience is critically important for Ukraine, which is only beginning to unlock its potential in the extraction of critical raw materials.
“Australia is the Saudi Arabia of the mining industry. All major projects – from Chile to the United States – are implemented with its engineering participation,” the diplomat explained.
An example of Australian investment in Ukraine is the Zavallivske graphite deposit, the largest in Europe. It was acquired two months before the start of the full-scale war. The owner company also holds the world’s largest graphite reserves in Tanzania.
Graphite is a key element in battery production. According to the ambassador, interest in Ukrainian minerals from Australia and the United States is only growing, especially after the signing of the Ukrainian–American agreement on cooperation in this area.
Australian billionaire ready to invest $500 million in Ukraine’s reconstruction
Ukraine is currently in talks with a number of Australian companies that may invest in the extraction and processing of strategic raw materials.
“This is not about education. It’s about investment, infrastructure development, engineering companies that do everything from confirming reserves to launching production. And that takes years and millions of dollars,” said Myroshnychenko.
Cooperation with Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest is also ongoing. He has already provided 30 million Australian dollars in aid to Ukraine and announced his readiness to invest $500 million in reconstruction, particularly in the minerals sector.
Australia supports Ukraine and calls Russia an aggressor
In addition to economics and defence, Australia has a clear political stance. The country’s government calls Russia an aggressor and regularly joins international sanctions. In particular, Australia recently imposed restrictions on Russian tankers.
According to the ambassador, the Russian Federation’s shadow oil fleet, part of which is registered under the Cook Islands flag, requires special attention. This is a territory with limited sovereignty, subordinate to New Zealand. Work is ongoing with the governments of Australia and New Zealand to stop this scheme. This is a little-known but important story.
Despite the geographical distance, Australia remains a close ally of Ukraine on the political, humanitarian and economic fronts.
“I arrived in Australia at the end of March 2022 and have been working every day since then to support Ukraine. And that support is only growing,” the ambassador concluded.
