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Who really controls Ukraine’s subsoil resources

by Roman Cheplyk
Monday, April 13, 2026
1 MIN
Who really controls Ukraine’s subsoil resources

State, big business and foreign capital

Analysis of special permits shows that access to subsoil resources is concentrated among state companies, large business groups and foreign capital.

There are 2,268 companies and 78 individuals holding 3,482 special permits in total, indicating a highly structured market.

State companies hold the largest portfolios, while major private groups also control significant shares through affiliated firms.

Foreign co owners are present in hundreds of license holders, with the most common jurisdictions including Cyprus, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and Germany.

Control of strategic minerals such as titanium and graphite is particularly concentrated, underscoring the importance of transparent governance in the sector.

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