Illegal Amber Mining Operation Exposed in Ukraine's Rivne Region

Authorities Uncover Large-Scale Illegal Amber Mining in Rivne Oblast

According to Главком: A joint operation by the National Police and the Prosecutor General's Office has uncovered a major illegal amber mining scheme in Ukraine's Rivne region. The unauthorized activities spanned approximately 50 hectares, causing severe environmental damage. Investigators report that the topsoil was completely destroyed and over 700 trees of various species were wiped out. While the subsurface license holders were legally permitted to conduct geological surveys and exploratory work, they instead carried out full-scale commercial extraction for profit.

Extraction Methods and Environmental Impact

Instead of using standard drilling pits, the operators relied on makeshift motor pumps and hydraulic soil erosion techniques. This method is considered one of the most ecologically harmful, leading to:

• complete destruction of fertile topsoil;
• damage to forest ecosystems;
• alteration of the natural landscape.

Law enforcement officials have described the situation as deeply concerning, highlighting a clear case of resource abuse.

On January 6, 2025, in the village of Dovhovolya, Varash district, authorities detained a 62-year-old man caught illegally transporting nearly 70 kilograms of amber. Police stopped his Opel Combo for a traffic violation-the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. This arrest is part of a broader investigation targeting illegal amber mining and environmental degradation in the region.

The discovery of this illegal mining operation underscores the ongoing environmental toll of unauthorized amber extraction in Ukraine. Authorities are working not only to prosecute offenders but also to protect the natural resources being devastated by such activities. The continued investigations and arrests signal a growing focus on the issue and suggest a stronger government commitment to regulating mineral extraction.