Ukraine ranks second in the world in terms of amber deposits. However, the lack of laws until recently and the low level of public education led to the destruction of hectares of forests in Polissya. And even now, after changes in legislation, amber mining remains a difficult task. What is the problem?
Yesterday at the Rivne Regional Library, scientists and students of the Scientific University of Water and Environmental Engineering met with geologists and managers of Amber Galbin enterprises. At the event, Viktor Melnychuk, Doctor of Geological Sciences, presented the reference book Amber of Polissya.
In his speech, the scientist regretted that Ukrainians do not receive any knowledge about inanimate nature today in schools. "I have a book called Geology and Mineralogy for Secondary School Students from 1911. It turns out that a hundred years ago, schoolchildren received a European education, but we did not.".
Is this not why Polissya residents burned amber because they did not know about its value, or vice versa? destroyed forests because of the thirst for enrichment, leaving behind lunar landscapes?
Only specialists can extract amber, Mr. Melnychuk emphasized. For example, reclamation (forest restoration) is a complex technology that requires systematic knowledge.
The professor also spoke about the peculiarities of Polissia amber. The stone is multicolored and near-surface, meaning that it lies at a depth of up to 10 meters, and sometimes on the surface itself. This makes it easier to extract.
Ukraine ranks second in the world in terms of amber deposits," Viktor Melnychuk emphasized, "and it is therefore quite possible that Rivne will become the amber capital of the world in the future.
Amber is a gift and a curse of our Earth
This is how he started his performance Danylo Koval, a geologist with six years of experience. "The sunstone evokes different emotions: joy, excitement of searching".
He compared geologists to detectives conducting an investigation.
Danylo Koval presented the audience with amber stones, which aroused the audience's admiration. "You can find insects, tree branches frozen inside. But for some reason, researchers have never come across the remains of bones of ancient animals."
Danylo Koval explained the different colors of amber by its chemical composition: some pieces could hang on a tree under the sun, while others were formed in water.
Amber will become a fashionable topic
Amber mining is a promising industry, said Pavlo Bondar, director of Amber Galbyn, so it is necessary to learn. He called Viktor Melnychuk's guidebook useful, as the book systematized the knowledge of the industry, which has always been on the sidelines.
In his turn, Mykhailo Kolomot, director of another company, Amber Galbin, urged those present to remember this day and the meeting. Because in the future not only will become more popular stone jewelry, but also The science of amber mining and investments in the industry will be of greater interest to people.
Mykhailo also recalled how three years ago, nand the site for which the company had obtained a license under the new law was taken over by black miners. Then, inthey drilled for the last time. Because subsequently The company fenced the territory and hired security guards.
After a while, these miners became interested in getting a special permit. They realized that it was more profitable to work legally.
Last year Amber Galbyn has paid more than two million in rent, said Mykhailo. This is almost a third of the amount paid by all amber mining companies in Rivne region.
Amber Galbin employs more than 170 people. They receive official salaries. Companies cooperate with communities.
Amber mining is a promising industry for investment, Mykhailo Kolomot emphasized once again. However, sometimes unnecessary bureaucratic red tape and some unregulated procedures take a lot of time.