Mining at the Velyko-Tokmatske Deposit
Russian forces have initiated the active development phase of the Velyko-Tokmatske manganese ore deposit, located in the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region. The work is being carried out by the Russian company Reale Engineering Invest, which is partly owned by a subsidiary of the state corporation Rostec. Construction of an ore mining and processing plant has already started near the site, a project expected to create jobs for approximately three thousand people.
Licensing and Reserves
Reale Engineering Invest secured its license to extract the manganese ore in February 2026. The Velyko-Tokmatske deposit holds estimated reserves exceeding 1.7 billion tons, accounting for roughly 67% of Ukraine's total manganese resources. According to Russia's Unified Institute of Spatial Planning, the site could supply up to 1.7 million tons of manganese annually, while Russia's domestic demand for the metal is about 1.3 million tons per year. Currently, Russia conducts industrial manganese mining at only one deposit in Bashkiria, relying on imports for over 90% of its supply.
More than 16% of Reale Engineering Invest is reportedly owned by a former partner of the founders of the development companies Koldi and Stone. The deposit's reserves are sufficient for a century of operation, and demand for manganese is projected to grow, as noted by The Moscow Times. The manganese extracted here will be used in the military-industrial complex for manufacturing armored vehicles, artillery shell casings, artillery systems, and components for aircraft and missile engines.
The Velyko-Tokmatske deposit is part of the Nikopol manganese ore basin, further underscoring its strategic value for Russia as it seeks to reduce its reliance on imported manganese. This move highlights how control over natural resources has become a critical dimension of the ongoing conflict.
This development underscores the strategic importance of the Velyko-Tokmatske deposit for Russia. - The Moscow Times
The production of manganese, which has key defense applications, could become a significant factor in sustaining military efforts amid current geopolitical challenges. The noted trend of rising global demand for manganese may also influence the preservation and development of regional infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of resource control during wartime.