Russia Begins Manganese Mining in Occupied Zaporizhzhia

In April 2026, reports confirmed that Russia has started developing the Velyko-Tokmak manganese deposit located in the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine.

This massive site, which contains about 1.7 billion tons of ore, is now being managed by Reale Engineering Invest, a firm partly owned by the state conglomerate Rostec.

Russia relies heavily on manganese imports, sourcing over 90% from abroad to produce the high-quality steel needed for its military hardware, such as armored vehicles and artillery.

By tapping into this deposit, Russia aims to achieve total self-sufficiency, potentially producing up to 1.7 million tons annually—more than its yearly domestic demand.

Although the project requires a significant investment of 100 billion rubles to rehabilitate old mining infrastructure, the strategic benefits for Russia’s defense industry are substantial.

While the move helps secure essential industrial materials, it also highlights the complex geopolitical and legal consequences of utilizing natural resources within sovereign Ukrainian land, setting a concerning precedent for future conflicts involving strategic mineral assets.