The Mykolaiv Alumina Plant is expected to be privatized through an auction, with the government planning to attract a strategic investor and make environmental requirements a core part of the deal.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Daryna Marchak said in Mykolaiv that ecological safety will be embedded in the future privatization terms prepared by the State Property Fund and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
According to her, large industrial enterprises such as the Mykolaiv Alumina Plant require special attention due to their environmental footprint, particularly the management of red mud storage areas that pose risks to surrounding communities.
“All obligations related to environmental safety and social aspects will be included in the investor’s commitments,” Marchak stated.
The government plans to hold the privatization auction by the end of 2026. While the detailed conditions are still under development, officials stress that environmental protection will remain a key priority.
Marchak also noted that the state is seeking a профильний, or industry-specialized, investor capable of restoring and developing production rather than changing the plant’s profile.
At the same time, she highlighted wartime risks as a significant challenge for attracting investment to the region. The ministry, together with international partners, is working on mechanisms to insure major industrial assets against such risks.
The Mykolaiv Alumina Plant, once among the largest aluminum production facilities in Ukraine and Europe, has been struggling with the maintenance of its waste storage infrastructure. The site holds tens of millions of tonnes of red sludge, and periodic dust emissions have previously caused environmental concerns in nearby settlements.
