Even after Trump deal, Ukraine faces long uncertain road to mining boom

On snow-covered fields in central Ukraine, where some of the country's biggest proven lithium deposits are located, a small team of ecological consultants drop sensors into holes in the earth to measure water levels. The environmental survey, contracted by the small Ukrainian mining company that holds the license, UkrLithiumMining, comes years ahead of any mining operations at the undeveloped site. It underlines how much work is still to be done before a much-vaunted minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States generates significant revenue for either side.