Russia plans large-scale search for rare metals in occupied Donetsk Oblast – intelligence

Russia plans to launch a large-scale geological exploration programme in 2026 on the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk Oblast. The programme envisages phased exploration of mineral deposits, with a focus on raw materials in demand in the modern economy, including strategic and rare metals.

Source: Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service

Details: The programme is scheduled to run until 2031.

It is not about one-off geological surveys but about long-term work divided into several stages.

"Soviet geological materials will serve as the basis for exploration. In the post-Soviet period, research in the region virtually stopped, so now the occupying authorities plan to refine and update the data, as well as assess the prospects of the sites in terms of further industrial development," the service said.

The work is expected to be financed from the Russian state budget.

"The increased interest in Ukrainian mineral resources comes amid a deterioration in Russia's traditional raw materials industries. Russia's oil industry is experiencing serious difficulties: rising production costs, sanctions, export problems and technology issues are forcing the Kremlin to seek alternative sources of income.

Under such circumstances, the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories are seen as a resource base for patching budget holes and supporting the war economy," the service said.

It is noted that Russia, in violation of international law, is attempting to compensate for its own economic failures at the expense of Donetsk Oblast's subsoil, turning geological exploration into a mechanism of resource plunder in the occupied territories.

Background: The leadership of seven constituent entities of the Russian Federation is considering the launch of so-called "people's bonds" – one of the instruments designed to extract money directly from the pockets of Russian citizens.

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