BGV Group Management became a partner of the 5th International Sustainable Development Forum ISF’25, held on October 30 in Lviv. This year’s forum served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between businesses, government representatives, communities, and international organizations on rebuilding Ukraine’s economy through the lens of sustainable development.

As an event partner, BGV supported discussions on the role of responsible investment, ESG practices, and cooperation with local communities in the country’s reconstruction.

During the panel discussion “The Power of Communities as a Driver of Social Impact,” the company’s Chief Geologist, Mariia Kurylo, shared her vision for developing the critical minerals industry as one of the key areas driving Ukraine’s economic transformation. She emphasized that the success of modern mining projects depends not only on the size of mineral reserves but also on their environmental-social-economic viability. According to Kurylo, the “social license”, the trust of local communities, increasingly determines the prospects for investment in the extractive sector.

As an example, the BGV Beryllium Project, which is being implemented by Perzhanska Rudna Kompaniia LLC, has not yet launched production, as the project is currently at the preliminary feasibility study (PFS) stage and requires significant investment. However, the company has already financed more than UAH 22 million (about $540,000) in social initiatives in the Zhytomyr region in recent years. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company donated 75 multifunctional beds to regional hospitals, provided funding to Olevsk Hospital for repairs and the purchase of protective equipment, and supported local communities with over 2,000 food kits. Also, in 2022, a Social Partnership Agreement was signed between Perzhanska Rudna Kompaniia LLC and the Olevsk City Council, which established systematic cooperation in the development of infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The project financed the installation of street lighting in the village of Perha, the overhaul of the local paramedic and obstetric station, road repairs, the creation of a computer class and a playground in a school and kindergarten, the construction of a boiler room, and the renovation of the dining room in the Khochynskyi Lyceum.

“BGV’s projects in geological exploration and industrial development of critical mineral deposits, including rare earth elements and rare metals, demonstrate long-term strategic partnerships between investors, mining companies, and resource owners. The duration of such projects reaches 20-50 years or more, with the first five years dedicated to geological research, design, and pilot mining. We ensure development from the very beginning in close cooperation with communities and social organizations, maintaining transparency and accountability to Ukrainian and international partners,” said Kurylo.

Cooperation with the ISF Forum is another step for BGV in promoting a culture of sustainable development, where ESG principles combine economic efficiency, environmental safety, and social value.

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The International Sustainability Forum (ISF) is an annual international event focused on sustainable development, ESG, and investment in Ukraine’s recovery. This year’s ISF’25 brought together more than 150 speakers, 600 in-person participants, and over 6,000 online viewers. The forum was organized by the Association of Sustainable Development Experts (ASDE) in partnership with businesses, financial institutions, and international organizations.

Among the key topics were attracting investment for Ukraine’s reconstruction, developing human capital, supporting communities, and implementing sustainable financial solutions. ISF has become a leading platform for dialogue between business, government, and investors about the future of sustainable development in Ukraine.