IRuniverse recently spoke with Kolos CEO Volodymyr Berezhniy, who shared the company’s strategic vision for partnerships, market development, and business expansion. Berezhniy expressed strong interest in creating new business opportunities with Japan in the field of rare earth metals and magnets, welcoming Japan’s strategic participation.
Kolos is spearheading the K66 Project, an initiative to establish a comprehensive supply chain for NdFeB magnets, from mining to manufacturing, in collaboration with partner nations.
• Upstream: Securing concentrates from deposits in cooperation with local Ukrainian partners.
• Midstream: Producing separated oxides and metals through pilot-scale refining in
Indiana, USA.
• Downstream: Working with EU partners in Poland, Slovenia, and Germany to
manufacture finished magnets that meet automotive and industrial standards.
By involving multiple partners at each stage, the project diversifies geopolitical risks and helps ensure continuity even if one segment of the chain is disrupted.
On the demand side, a solid market base is already in place. Two of Ukraine’s largest drone-engine manufacturers together represent over 1.3 million finished magnets per year in expected demand (with signed agreements), with additional demand from Indian motor producers. Industry estimates indicate Ukraine’s overall drone production is scaling rapidly—from roughly 2 million units last year toward ~5 million units this year—further amplifying magnet needs.
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Berezhniy emphasized: “The K66 Project is built around NATO-aligned jurisdictions, full traceability, and compliance with EU/US industrial standards—aligned with Japan’s high-reliability requirements.”
He also called for Japan’s participation as strategic partners and supporters — through joint development of specifications, pilot projects, offtake agreements, and capacity reservations. In addition, a limited strategic allocation is open for Japan-based partners to invest alongside U.S. and EU allies, conferring priority capacity and a voice in the grade roadmap. 日本の戦略的パートナーによる出資・参画も歓迎しています。
Amid growing concerns over supply-chain vulnerabilities exposed by China’s export restrictions, building a West-led supply network linking Ukraine with the United States and Europe has become an urgent priority. K66 is expected to attract significant attention as a potential solution to this challenge.
“Let’s craft a supply chain worthy of Japan’s monozukuri—reliable, fully traceable, and built in friendship with Ukraine.,” says Volodymyr Berezhniy.
(IRuniverse R.S.)
