The winning bidder was LLC “Knauf Gyps Skala,” offering UAH 121.05 million for the right to extract gypsum, exceeding the nearly UAH 119.61 million starting price.
Auction Details
- Highest Bidder: LLC “Knauf Gyps Skala” — UAH 121.05 million
- Second-Place Bidder: Kamyanets-Podilskyi JSC “Gipsovik” — UAH 120.55 million
- License Term: 20 years for gypsum extraction
Location & Reserves
- Deposit: Skovyatyn gypsum field, spanning 115 hectares, located about 1-2 km from Shyshkivtsi village in Chortkiv (formerly Borshchiv) district, Ternopil region
- Estimated Reserves: 43.9 million tons of gypsum
- Annual Quarry Productivity: Up to 502,800 tons
- Projected Operational Lifespan: Approximately 84.4 years
Knauf’s Presence in the Region
LLC “Knauf Gyps Skala” is registered in the city of Borshchev and is part of the German Knauf group (managed by Alexander Knauf and Manfred Grundke). Between 2007 and 2010, Knauf conducted geological studies at the Skovyatyn site.
Beyond this newly acquired area, Knauf already extracts gypsum at the adjacent Shyshkovets deposit, covering 41 hectares with reserves exceeding 11.4 million tons of gypsum as of 2021. The two deposits together will significantly boost Knauf’s resource base in Ukraine.
Significance of the Deal
- Strategic Expansion: The Skovyatyn deposit acquisition reinforces Knauf’s long-term plans for stable gypsum supply.
- Industrial Importance: Gypsum is a critical raw material for construction materials (e.g., drywall, plasters).
- Local Economic Impact: Licensing fees and ongoing mining operations could contribute to regional development, ensuring local employment and infrastructure opportunities.
With the special permit secured, Knauf is poised to further strengthen its footprint in the Ukrainian construction materials market, leveraging extensive reserves at both the Skovyatyn and Shyshkovets deposits for long-term gypsum production.
