Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko instructed experts to locate rare earth minerals in Belarus, following heightened global interest in these resources.
He directed Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Shuleiko to accelerate geological exploration and ensure Belarus is no longer “geologically underdeveloped,” according to state-run media.
“This is today’s most important issue,” Lukashenko stated, referring to rare earth elements, which play a vital role in modern industries such as renewable energy.
“They exist in limited amounts underground. Maybe we have them in similar quantities as others,” he speculated.
Lukashenko also urged geologists to search for oil and gas, insisting, “We must dig and examine what deposits we possess.”
Rare Earth Minerals at the Center of US-Ukraine Dispute
Rare earth minerals, including titanium and lithium, comprise 17 elements essential for manufacturing advanced technologies such as mobile phones and electric vehicles.
US President Donald Trump has sought to lessen American reliance on China, the world’s top rare earth producer, amid growing US-China economic tensions.
Recently, Trump attempted to secure a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine in exchange for continued American military support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Washington last week, expecting to finalize the agreement.
However, a heated argument between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House derailed negotiations, preventing the deal from being signed.
US Freezes Military Aid as Belarus Backs Russia
Following the failed negotiations, the US government suspended military assistance to Ukraine, presenting it as a strategy to push Kyiv into a peace settlement with Russia.
Lukashenko, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, continues to align closely with Moscow’s geopolitical objectives.
In early 2022, Belarus served as a launchpad for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that has now entered its fourth year.