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Amber Mining

AMBER MINING IN THE VOLYN REGION

AMBER MINING

On February 2, 2017, the municipal enterprise Volynpryrodresurs of the Volyn Regional Council received four special permits (Nos. 6172, 6173, 6174 and 6175) from the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources of Ukraine (Derzhheonadra), approved by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine, for the use of subsoil for amber mining purposes for a period of 20 years.

35048 .451 kg
Amber Extracted
6,754.524 kg of amber extracted in 2024
41%
14,667.280 kg of amber extracted in 2023
88%
4,710.430 kg of amber extracted in 2022
29%
4,836.543 kg of amber extracted in 2021
30%
2,061.521 kg of amber extracted in 2020
13%
Efficient and responsible amber extraction requires compliance with environmental standards and legal regulations

Stages of amber mining

1. Geological Exploration

Conducting geological exploration through drilling, pitting, and the creation of exploratory trenches and ditches. Mapping of the work area, description, and laboratory analysis of overburden rock samples to identify industrial amber deposits.

2. Preparatory Work

Following comprehensive geological exploration, preparatory work is carried out on promising areas free of forest vegetation. This involves removing and preserving the topsoil layer, which is restored upon completion of extraction activities.

3. Amber Extraction

Conducting staged overburden removal with subsequent restoration of the original layers. Various extraction methods are applied, including excavator-based, hydromechanical, or combined methods, depending on the water saturation of the area.

4. Primary Processing and Sorting

The extracted amber is washed to remove clay and sand, then sorted by fraction and quality group in accordance with the Classifier of the State Gemological Center of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, DKDK ISSN 2079-1186, September 2025.

5. Environmental Monitoring and Reclamation

Conducting environmental monitoring to assess the impact of extraction on the environment. Implementing mining-technical and biological reclamation measures for the area after extraction is completed.

6. Sale of Extracted Amber

Selling amber on domestic and international markets in accordance with the price guide of the Classifier of the State Gemological Center of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, DKDK ISSN 2079-1186, September 2025.

Geological exploration is a fundamental stage that determines the industrial potential of a given area for subsequent industrial development, such as amber extraction.

To identify amber deposits, a comprehensive set of geological exploration activities is conducted in accordance with established guidelines and project plans, taking into account technical and economic indicators of the feasibility of overburden removal and industrial exploitation of the area. 

This is followed by detailed geological mapping and investigation of the territory. At selected sites, exploration is carried out to collect rock samples. Geophysical studies are accompanied by drilling, pitting, and the creation of exploratory trenches and ditches.

Exploration employs modern field research methods, including aerial photography, georadar, drilling, and extraction equipment. These exploration methods enable a thorough study of the areas to identify industrial amber deposits while considering the economic viability of their development.

Based on the collected data, an assessment of amber deposits is conducted, taking into account factors such as depth of occurrence, extraction complexity, potential geological risks, and the economic feasibility of extraction.

The primary objective of geological exploration activities is to select the most optimal area, extraction method, and determine its economic viability.

Once industrial deposits are identified and areas are prepared for extraction, the development of new quarries involves hiring additional workers, primarily local community residents.

This facilitates a steady increase in job opportunities and contributions to the budgets of territorial communities through payments of profit tax, personal income tax (PIT), and royalties, playing a significant socio-economic role in their development.

Ensuring the safety of every worker at the extraction site is a top priority. Before employment, workers undergo comprehensive training in the field of "Geological Operations Worker" and study the Occupational Safety Regulations for Open-Pit Mining of Mineral Deposits, as well as related professional instructions for high-risk operations in the mining industry.

At the extraction site, strict adherence to all established safety standards is maintained to protect the health and lives of personnel. Regular health checks for workers and inspections of equipment condition are conducted to ensure safe working conditions.

Amber extraction is carried out using advanced technologies to ensure the most efficient and environmentally friendly process possible. ME Volynpryrodresurs collaborates with ecologists, geologists, and other specialists to optimize extraction processes and minimize their environmental impact. The enterprise also prioritizes the interests and well-being of local communities, ensuring their considerations are integrated into the extraction process.

After the extraction process is completed, amber undergoes several key stages before it is ready for sale on domestic and international markets, including:

  • Cleaning: The mineral is cleaned of dirt and other residues using water washing without the use of chemical reagents.
  • Sorting: The amber is sorted by size and quality.

The raw amber extracted during the washing process is sorted by fraction and classified (in accordance with the Classifier of the State Gemological Center of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, DKDK ISSN 2079-1186, September 2025) based on quality before being sent for storage in specially equipped warehouse facilities.

The extracted minerals are stored in warehouses under appropriate conditions (in compliance with the Law of Ukraine "On State Regulation of Extraction, Production, and Use of Precious Metals and Precious Stones and Control over Operations with Them").

High-quality sorting enables competitiveness in a challenging market and attracts buyers' attention.

All amber extraction and sorting operations are carried out under strict security measures and video surveillance. CCTV cameras are installed in all production and storage facilities to ensure security at every stage of the process.

9 Kyivskyi Maidan, Lutsk, Volyn region, 43027, Ukraine

volynpryrodresurs@gmail.com

+380 67 311 22 11