How has the war in Ukraine affected the country's rare earth minerals development?

The war in Ukraine has significantly impacted the country's ability to develop its rare earth mineral resources. According to Viktor Nescarovsky, a museum director and geological sciences expert, it's impossible to separate the discussion of rare earth elements from the ongoing war. This is because most of Ukraine's valuable mineral deposits are located in Russian-occupied territories where intense fighting continues to rage. This territorial occupation presents a severe obstacle for Ukraine in capitalizing on its estimated $16 trillion worth of rare earth deposits, which are crucial for technology manufacturing and microchips. The conflict has essentially placed these strategic resources in contested areas, making extraction and development virtually impossible under current conditions.