Geological and Ecological Expedition for Young Scientists of Volyn
On September 5, 2024, the ME “Volynpryrodresurs” of the Volyn Regional Council welcomed young scientists as part of the project “My Axiom of Infinity.” Participants were introduced to the processes of amber and peat extraction at various deposits. Students from the Department of Earth Sciences, Ecology, and J.A.S. (Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine), as well as pupils from regional schools including Volyn and Knyahynynivskyi Regional, Kivertsi No. 3, and Pidhaytsi Lyceums, also visited the Amber Factory and the Manevychi Factory of Briquetted Peat to witness firsthand the processing of amber and the conversion of peat into briquettes.
The All-Ukrainian Educational Research Expedition “My Axiom of Infinity” is designed for students in grades 7-11 and takes place throughout Ukraine.
Participants in this geological and ecological expedition—young scientists from Volyn—conducted radiation measurements at the deposits and collected surface water samples for analysis in preparation for their scientific research.
Visit to the Peatland “Koza-Berezyna,” Located in Prilysnenska Territorial Community
ME “Volynpryrodresurs” introduced the audience to the peat extraction process at the “Koza-Berezyna” deposit located in Volyn.
Anatolii Kapustiuk, the director of ME “Volynpryrodresurs”, told the guests in detail about the key stages of this process, particularly how peat is extracted and transformed into fuel briquettes, which are in significant demand in the energy sector.
Anatolii Kapustiuk explained that peat, as one of the most valuable energy natural resources in Volyn, is formed in swampy areas from plant remains and organic materials. In the initial stage of peat extraction, special machines are used to layer and loosen the peat mass for subsequent drying outdoors.
After extraction and drying, peat undergoes thermal and mechanical processing – pressing into peat briquettes. Peat briquettes are a highly efficient type of fuel that has high calorific value and environmental friendliness. These briquettes are used as an alternative to coal and firewood, particularly for heating homes and industrial facilities.
Peat briquettes are an ecological type of fuel due to the fact that during their combustion, fewer harmful substances are emitted compared to other types of fuel such as coal or petroleum products. Moreover, briquettes have high energy efficiency, making them popular among consumers in various regions.
An excursion to a peat deposit became an important event for young scientists who received a unique opportunity to learn more about the natural resources of Volyn and their role in meeting the energy needs of the region.
Anatolii Kapustiuk emphasized the importance of responsible peat extraction and an ecological approach to the use of natural resources.
The listeners received answers to their questions and learned many interesting facts, discussing the ecological and energy components of extraction.
After the discussion, the participants conducted measurements of water and radiation for their scientific research, ensuring that peat deposits do not pose a radiation hazard. Gamma radiation was measured at 0.10-0.14 µR/h with a norm of 0.35 µR/h. Beta radiation was measured at 0 µR/h. Thanks to such practical measures, young scientists can expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of important natural processes.
Visit to "VolynTorf", Factory of Briquetted Peat
In addition to extraction, the participants of the excursion had the opportunity to see the process of manufacturing peat briquettes and the finished peat briquette. As Anatolii Kapustiuk explained, the peat used for production undergoes special drying, grinding, and pressing. The resulting peat briquettes have high energy efficiency and become an important element of the energy independence of the region.
The visit to the Factory of Briquetted Peat (Manevychi distr.) was not only an interesting excursion but also an educational event that provided participants with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the extraction and processing processes.
Visit to an Amber Deposit – Reclaimed Area
Amber extraction is carried out with strict adherence to environmental norms and standards to minimize the impact on the surrounding environment.
During the excursion, participants also learned about the negative consequences of illegal amber mining, which leads to ecological disasters. The area where so-called “illegal amber diggers” operated in 2015 still bears the consequences of the damage they caused.
On November 26, 2020, ME “Volynpryrodresurs” transferred the first reclaimed site to the Manevychi State Forestry. On this site, 1.7 tons of amber were extracted, although this area had already been disturbed by illegal miners—the top layer had been completely removed. After extracting the amber, the company conducted reclamation: soils were returned to their place in the correct order and compacted. After that, the site was handed over to forestry for biological reclamation, including planting young trees.
Reclamation involves not only restoring the landscape but also creating conditions for vegetation recovery, protecting water resources, and supporting local ecosystems.
The expedition was not only a scientific study but also a lesson in responsible attitude towards nature and natural resources. The participants saw with their own eyes how a properly organized process of amber extraction can be environmentally safe and at the same time economically beneficial for the region.
Moreover, the young scientists managed to independently find small fractions of amber in the area, as well as, using shovels, try to find interesting samples of other minerals.
Visit to the Amber Factory
Anatolii Kapustiuk told the audience that the raw amber recovered during the washing process is sorted by fractions and quality groups (according to the Classifier of the State Gemological Centre of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine DKDK ISSN 2079-1186, September 2022) and sent for appropriate storage in specially equipped warehouses.
During an excursion at the Amber Factory, the attendees had a unique opportunity to touch real amber while witnessing the processing of it firsthand.
Young scientists eagerly took photos with exclusive samples of amber, gaining a unique experience.
Summary of Geological and Ecological Expedition
After completing the expedition, the participants headed to Lutsk National Technical University, where they conducted laboratory research with samples of collected water.
The students were also awarded certificates confirming their participation in the geological-ecological expedition as part of the All-Ukrainian educational and research project “My Axiom of Infinity.” This experience became an important step in the development of their knowledge and scientific skills.
ME “Volynpryrodresurs” of the Volyn Regional Council Thanks for the Visit!
ME “Volynpryrodresurs” of the Volyn Regional Council sincerely thanks all the organizers and participants for a wonderful visit! We were pleased to share our experience in the extraction and processing of amber and peat, as well as to demonstrate the importance of preserving ecology during these processes.
ME “Volynpryrodresurs” sincerely wishes young scientists success in writing their research papers! We hope that the experience gained during the geological-ecological expedition will serve as a valuable foundation for their studies and help them achieve new scientific heights. Your enthusiasm and perseverance in researching the natural resources of Volyn inspire us, and we are confident that the knowledge acquired will be beneficial for your future achievements! Good luck in all your endeavors!
Your enthusiasm and interest instill hope for a bright future for our region!
