Illegal amber mining thrives in Ukraine as conflict halts scrutiny

A piece of amber at the official open cast mine in the Rivne region, northwestern Ukraine, on May 19 | AFP-JIJI

AFP-Jiji

Sep 30, 2026

Rivne, Ukraine – Illegal amber mining has blighted the landscape in Rivne, northwest Ukraine, leaving just tree stumps, small bushes and swampy puddles deep in the coniferous forest.

Mafia-style groups flushed out chunks of the golden fossilized resin for years, paying little regard to the environment and fueling a black-market industry that devastated thousands of hectares.

Amber is used to make jewelry and other products, which are hugely sought after in China.

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