President orders experts to explore natural resources.
Whether in Greenland or Ukraine, rare earth elements are currently a key focus of global politics. Now, Belarus is seeking clarity on its own natural resources. President Alexander Lukashenko, in power since 1994, has declared rare earths the country’s “top priority,” according to the state news agency Belta. He also acknowledged that geological exploration in Belarus remains underdeveloped. In addition to rare earth elements, the country aims to explore oil and gas deposits.
Belarus, also known as White Russia, is one of the world’s leading producers of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizer production. However, since 2021, the European Union has banned the import of potash and certain potassium compounds from Belarus, along with gold, diamonds, helium, coal, and mineral products, including crude oil. Amid Belarus’ military support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has recently tightened existing sanctions against the country.
Photo: Tom Fisk via Canva
