Understanding resource-backed financing: How countries leverage mineral wealth for economic growth

Professor of Energy and the Environment Saleem Ali talks about a possible Ukraine-U.S. mineral deal.

Feb 25, 2025

1 min

Saleem Ali

What exactly is resourced-backed financing and how does it relate to Ukraine-United States relations?


That is what Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and the Environment Saleem Ali has been investigating.  


Resource-backed financing has emerged as a significant strategy for countries rich in natural resources to bolster economic growth. This financial model allows nations to leverage their mineral wealth by using future revenues or production of resources as collateral for obtaining loans or investments today. Ali can put this practice into context of a potential deal that is currently being negotiated between Ukraine and the U.S. 


"The minerals deal could potentially be a win-win for Ukraine and the United States if the agreement is framed around a broader plan for reconstruction and infrastructure development," Ali recently said in an article for Forbes


A regular contributor to Forbes, Ali's expertise has also been featured in The Houston ChronicleThe Guardian and Bloomberg. He can be contacted to speak more on this topic by clicking on his profile. 

Connect with:
Saleem Ali

Saleem Ali

Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

Prof. Ali's research examines the causes and consequences of environmental conflicts.

Environmental HealthEnvironmental PolicyEnvironmental PlanningHealth and Safety
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Delaware

Concussions in soccer featured featured image

1 min

Concussions in soccer featured

University of Delaware professor Tom Kaminski leads FIFA’s research on header safety and avoiding concussions. NBC10 Delaware Bureau reporter Tim Furlong tells us more about his findings.

The Business of Youth Soccer and Youth Sports Participation featured image

1 min

The Business of Youth Soccer and Youth Sports Participation

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less starting this week, the University of Delaware's John Allgood is available to discuss the business of soccer, youth sports participation and the tournament's impact on communities and the economy. A former United Soccer League top executive and instructor of sport management, Allgood has firsthand experience in both the business and development sides of the sport. Through his experience as a USL franchise owner, Allgood can discuss the World Cup’s economic impact and why the sport is a unifying force. He can discuss how the World Cup will boost participation and fan interest in soccer, especially among youth players. Allgood can address the tiered structure of soccer in the U.S., including the pay-to-play system in youth soccer that is different from development models in other countries. To arrange an interview with Allgood, send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.

World Cup 2026: Former soccer executive analyzes tournament economics and youth soccer structure featured image

1 min

World Cup 2026: Former soccer executive analyzes tournament economics and youth soccer structure

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup days away, the University of Delaware's John Allgood is available to discuss the business of soccer, youth sports participation and the tournament's impact on communities and the economy. As a former United Soccer League (USL) top executive, Allgood brings firsthand experience and knowledge of the commercial operations and development sides of the sport. He also currently serves as an instructor of sport management at UD. Areas of expertise relevant to the World Cup include: • Economic impact: How the tournament will drive local revenue. • The business of soccer: Sports marketing and the commercialization of global sports entertainment. • U.S. youth soccer: The tiered structure of soccer in the U.S., including the pay-to-play system in youth soccer that is different from development models in other countries. • Participation and interest: How the World Cup will boost participation and fan interest in soccer, especially among youth players. • Soccer as a unifying force: The sports' social impact and how it brings people together. To reach Allgood directly and arrange an interview, click the "contact" button on his profile. Interested journalists can also send an email to mediarelations@udel.edu.

View all posts