U.S. Plan for Zaporizhia Nuclear Plant Aims at Tapping Ukraine’s Rare Earth Resources

According to a report by the Financial Times on March 21, 2025, citing two senior Ukrainian officials, Washington is exploring the potential of the ZNPP not only as a vital energy resource but also as a strategic site for extracting rare earth metals and other valuable minerals in Ukraine.

This proposal is part of broader negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine concerning access to the country’s natural resources, which Trump views as essential for sustaining support in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The U.S. administration believes that leveraging the ZNPP’s significant energy output could facilitate large-scale extraction projects for rare earth elements critical to high-tech industries, such as battery and electronics manufacturing.

A source within the Ukrainian government, speaking to Politico, highlighted that for the plan to succeed, regaining control over the ZNPP and the nearby city of Energodar—home to the plant’s personnel—would be crucial. However, this presents a significant challenge, as the Zaporizhia region has been annexed by Russia, making Trump’s proposal a potentially provocative move.

The idea of using a nuclear power facility for mineral extraction has caught Ukrainian authorities off guard, as prior discussions about resource management have primarily concentrated on mineral deposits rather than nuclear assets. Nonetheless, the initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to offset the financial and military aid provided to Ukraine by seeking access to its strategic resources.

Rare earth metals, including lithium, neodymium, and cerium, have become a focal point for Washington amid escalating global competition, particularly from China, which currently dominates the market for these essential materials.

The implications of Trump’s proposal could reverberate across both U.S.-Ukraine relations and the broader geopolitical context.