Amber

2022

Resources and output

Anticipated economic resources as of the end of 2022 increased in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 3,491.58 tonnes of amber. The growth was the result of a documentation of a new deposit – Niedźwiada Kolonia II with resources equal 3.33 tonnes. The deposit was allocated from the Górka Lubartowska deposit and amber is the accompanying raw material to natural aggregates and glauconite-bearing sediments. The amber in the Niedźwiada Kolonia II deposit occur within sands and silts with glauconite of the Upper Eocene, occurring directly on the mantle rock of the Upper Cretaceous sediments. The average content of amber in the deposit is 0.02%, whereas the average abundance in the exploration wells is equal 82.25 g/m². The obtained commodity can be used in jewellery and medical industries. In 2022, the exploitation of amber was no carried out in spite of 7 active concessions for the following deposits: Górka Lubartowska VIII, Górka Lubartowska IX, Górka Lubartowska-Leszkowice, Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada, Leszkowice 1, Niedźwiada II and Niedźwiada III.

According to the information collected by the PGI-NRI from the Marshals of Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships, in 2022 there were only 40 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works under the approved geological works projects in the area of Pomorskie Voivodeship. Moreover, the collected information show that in 2022 there were 3 new geological works projects for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits approved in Pomorskie Voivodeship, whereas in Lubelskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships in 2021 there was not any new decision approving the geological works project for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits issued by Marshalls.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the National Revenue Administration of the Ministry of Finance, in 2022 there were 11.6 kilograms of amber confiscated by the Customs and Tax Service on the Polish external borders (road, marina and aerial border crossings). The total amount of confiscated amber sold during the auctions organized by the Chamber of Tax Administration amounted to 1,433.4 kilograms in 2022. Moreover, during the control of one of companies, regarding other issued than smuggling, there were 166 kilograms of amber confiscated.

Additionally, it is estimated (however this assessment is very approximate) that the amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches may amount to 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

The prospective resources of amber are difficult to be assessed due to the insufficient paleogeographical and facial exploration of the amber-bearing sediments. Locally, it is also difficult because of the resources impoverishment or depletion as the result of the illegal exploitation*. The possibility of development the prospective area of the Eocene primary amber accumulations is unlikely – due to the deposit layer depth below 100 m and the potential conflict between the exploitation and the environment. The nest and stratabound-nest types of the amber accumulations within the xenoliths of the Paleogene amber-bearing sediments and within the Pleistocene and Holocene fluvioglacial and fluvial sediments are of the small size and characterized by the irregular occurrence. Therefore, their resources are unlikely to be documented. In fact, as the reserve base of amber, there can be the prognostic resources within fine-grade Eocene sediments considered – occurring in the northern Lubelszczyzna area. The maximum magnitude of these resources can be evaluated at 22 thousand tonnes. The significant amber occurrences can also be expected within the Quaternary sediments in the area of the Gdańsk shore, especially in the regions of the traditional exploitation on the Vistula river delta.

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński

* Kramarska R., Kasiński J.R., Słodkowska B., 2020 – ‘Bursztyn, sukcynit (amber, succinite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 371-377. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2021

Resources and output

Anticipated economic resources as of the end of 2021 decreased by 92.27 tonnes (it means by 2.6%) in comparison with the previous year and amounted to 3,488.57 tonnes of amber. The resources drop was a result of the exploitation and the resources updating of the Górka Lubartowska deposit. In 2021, the exploitation (in spite of 7 valid concessions for the following deposits: Górka Lubartowska VIII, Górka Lubartowska IX, Górka Lubartowska-Leszkowice, Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada, Leszkowice 1, Niedźwiada II and Niedźwiada III) was carried out only from the Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada deposit. The output from this deposit amounted to 17.40 tonnes of amber (by 43.4% more than in 2020). The ongoing exploitation demonstrated that the amber productivity is bigger than assumed in a geological documentation and in a deposit development plan (the resources growth by 20.00 tonnes). In the Leszkowice 1 deposit, the subject of the concession is limited only to glass sands. The resources drop was also the result of the boundaries and resources updating of the Górka Lubartowska deposit (the decrease by 90.74 tonnes) after the allocation of a new Niedźwiada III deposit from the Górka Lubartowska deposit. The Niedźwiada III deposit is a stratabound, nest-lenticular deposit, with amber-bearing series built of the clayey and sandy Eocene glauconite-bearing sediments. Except of amber, there were also sand, gravel and glauconite-bearing sediments documented in the deposit. The documented anticipated economic resources of the Niedźwiada III deposit amount to 5.68 tonnes of amber and the anticipated sub-economic resources – 1.16 tonnes. The top of the glauconite-bearing formation with amber in the Niedźwiada III deposit occurs at a depth from 11.9 m b.s.l. to 19.2 m b.s.l., whereas the deposit bottom is delineated by the top of the Cretaceous deposits – located at a depth from 20.5 m b.s.l. to 26.0 m b.s.l. The average content of amber in the deposit is estimated at 38.3 g/m². The exploited commodity can be used in the jewelry industry and cosmetic, medical or chemical industries.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from the Marshals of Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships, in 2021 there were only 57.5 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works under the approved geological works projects in the area of Pomorskie Voivodeship. Moreover, the collected information show that there were 2 new geological works projects for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits approved in Pomorskie Voivodeship, whereas in Lubelskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships in 2021 there was not any new decision approving the geological works project for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits issued by Marshalls.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance, in 2021 there were 140 kilograms of amber confiscated by the Customs and Tax Service on the Polish external borders (road, marina and aerial border crossings). The total amount of confiscated amber sold during the auctions organized by the Chamber of Tax Administration amounted to 711 kilograms in 2021.

Additionally, it is estimated (however this assessment is very approximate) that the amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches may amount to 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

The prospective resources of amber are difficult to be assessed due to the insufficient paleogeographical and facial exploration of the amber-bearing sediments. Locally, it is also difficult because of the resources impoverishment or depletion as the result of the illegal exploitation*. The possibility of development the prospective area of the Eocene primary amber accumulations is unlikely – due to the deposit layer depth below 100 m and the potential conflict between the exploitation and the environment. The nest and stratabound-nest types of the amber accumulations within the xenoliths of the Paleogene amber-bearing sediments and within the Pleistocene and Holocene fluvioglacial and fluvial sediments are of the small size and characterized by the irregular occurrence. Therefore, their resources are unlikely to be documented. In fact, as the reserve base of amber, there can be the prognostic resources within fine-grade Eocene sediments considered – occurring in the northern Lubelszczyzna area. The maximum magnitude of these resources can be evaluated at 22 thousand tonnes. The significant amber occurrences can also be expected within the Quaternary sediments in the area of the Gdańsk shore, especially in the regions of the traditional exploitation on the Vistula river delta.

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński

* Kramarska R., Kasiński J.R., Słodkowska B., 2020 – ‘Bursztyn, sukcynit (amber, succinite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 371-377. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2020

Resources and output

Anticipated economic resources as of the end of 2020 increased by 2,034.19 tonnes (it means by 131.5%) in comparison with the previous year and amount to 3,580.84 tonnes of amber. The significant resources growth was the result of the documentation of new resources in Niedźwiada II deposit (the growth by 2,032.80 tonnes) and the extending of the Górka Lubartowska-.Leszkowice deposit boarders (the growth by 14.32 tonnes). Niedźwiada II deposit was documented in Lubartów country about 1.5 km east from Niedźwiada town. Initially, in 2018 there were only glauconite-bearing sediments documented, then in 2020 the accompanying raw materials were documented: amber, phosphorites concretes and glass raw materials (sands and quartzitic dust with mineral-complex clays). The amber-bearing series of Niedźwiada II deposit are built of Eocene, marine glauconite sands and muds occurring in the glauconite raw material deposit profile. The minor amounts of amber occur also in the glauconite-quartzitic sandstones. The amber contribution in the glauconite-bearing series increases along with depth, the average content of amber in the deposit amounts to 1,062.5 g/m³, and the average deposits amber content is estimated at 7,850.7 g/m². The exploited commodity can be used in the jewelry industry (as an ornamental stone), chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The drop of the domestic amber resources in 2020 was the result of the ongoing exploitation. In 2020, the output (in spite of 4 valid concession for: Górka Lubartowska VIII, Górka Lubartowska IX, Górka Lubartowska-Leszkowice and Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada) was carried out only from Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada deposit. The output from this deposit amounted to 12.14 tonnes of amber. In Leszkowice 1 deposit, the subject of the concession is limited only to glass sands.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from Marshals of Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships in 2020 there were only 193.90 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works under the approved geological works projects in the area of Pomorskie Voivodeship. Moreover, the collected information show that there were 3 new geological works projects for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits approved in Pomorskie Voivodeship, whereas in Lubelskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships there was not any new decision approving the geological works project for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits issued by Marshalls.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance, 249 kilograms of amber were in 2020 confiscated by the Customs and Tax Service on the Polish external borders (road, marina and aerial border crossings). The total amount of confiscated amber sold during the auctions organized by the Chamber of Tax Administration amounted to 826 kilograms in 2020.

According to the information collected by the Ministry of Climate and Environment from the Gdynia Maritime Office, there were about 17 kilograms of amber exploited during the works connected with the ‘Building of the waterway combining the Vistula Lagoon with the Gulf of Gdansk’.

Additionally, it is estimated (however the assessment is very approximate) that the amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches may amount to 5-6 tonnes per year. The realization of the ditch of the Vistula Spit resulted in the increasing amber gathering in the area of the investment. There is lack of reliable information on the amount of amber collected in this way in 2020. Nevertheless, the numerous amber divers may be the evidence of the real amber obtaining in this area.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

The prospective resources of amber are difficult to assessed due to the insufficient paleogeographical and facial exploration of the amber-bearing sediments. Locally, it is also difficult because of the resources impoverishment or depletion as the result of the illegal exploitation*. The possibility of development the prospective area of the Eocene primary amber accumulations is unlikely – due to the deposit layer depth below 100 m and the potential conflict between the exploitation and the environment. The nest and stratabound-nest types of the amber accumulations within the xenoliths of the Paleogene amber-bearing sediments and within the Pleistocene and Holocene fluvioglacial and fluvial sediments are of the small size and characterized by the irregular occurrence. Therefore, their resources are unlikely to be documented. In fact, as the reserve base of amber, there can be the prognostic resources within fine-grade Eocene sediments considered – occurring in the northern Lubelszczyzna area. The maximum magnitude of these resources can be evaluated at 22 thousand tonnes. The significant amber occurrences can also be expected within the Quaternary sediments in the area of the Gdańsk shore, especially in the regions of the traditional exploitation on the Vistula river delta.

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński, Krzysztof Szamałek

* Kramarska R., Kasiński J.R., Słodkowska B., 2020 – ‘Bursztyn, sukcynit (amber, succinite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 371-377. PIG-PIB, Warszawa [in Polish].

2019

Resources and output

Anticipated economic resources as of the end of 2019 increased by 220.24 tonnes (it means by 16.6%) in comparison with the previous year and amount to 1,546.65 tonnes of amber.

The resources growth was the result of the documentation of 2 amber deposits in Lubartów county: Brzeźnica Leśna (298.02 tonnes) and Górka Lubartowska IX (47.97 tonnes).

Brzeźnica Leśna deposit was documented in Lubartów county north of Niedźwiada town, in the vicinity of Górka Lubartowska amber deposit. The amber from Brzeźnica Leśna deposit occurs as the accompanying raw material with glauconitic sands and silts. It is occurring in the form of nests or elongated lens within the Eocene glauconitic series (the so-called Siemień formation), formed as gray-green clays, grits or sometimes sands. The amber is detected within the whole glauconite-bearing formation thickness and the amber-bearing horizon is of 5 m to 16 m thick and occurs on the depth between 4 m and 17 m. The 97% (the percentage by weight) of the raw material obtained from this deposit can be used in the jewelry and the remaining 3% (the percentage by weight) in the medicine, in the cosmetic or the chemical industries. Górka Lubartowska IX deposit was documented south of Górka Lubartowska amber deposit and almost its whole area was previously covered by the geological documentations of natural aggregates deposits: Górka Lubartowska IV and Górka Lubartowska VI. Górka Lubartowska IX deposit is the stratabound type deposit of a minor area, the nest-lenticular form, in which the amber crumbs occur accessorily within the Eocene glauconitic series (the so-called Siemień formation) formed as clays, grits or fine- and medium grained sands. The glauconitic amber-bearing horizon, occurring at the depth of about 11-15 m, is of about 4-8 m thick. The 81% (the percentage by weight) of the raw material obtained from this deposit can be used in the jewelry and the remaining 19% (the percentage by weight) in the medicine, in the cosmetic or the chemical industries.

The drop of the domestic amber resources (125.68 tonnes) was the result of the Przeróbka – SL deposit resources settlement. After the deposit exploitation was abandoned, the remaining resources amounted to 17.05 tonnes of amber – so the original information both on the amber quality and on the deposit resources have not been confirmed.

In 2019, the exploitation of amber was carried out only from Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada deposit (in spite of 3 valid exploitation concession for: Górka Lubartowska VIII, Górka Lubartowska-Leszkowice and Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada deposits). The output amounted to 0.07 tonnes of amber. In Leszkowice 1 deposit, the subject of the concession is limited only to glass sands.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from Marshals of Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships in 2019 there were the following amounts of amber exploited during geological works under the approved geological works projects: 227 kilograms in the area of Pomorskie Voivodeship, 196.95 kilograms in the area of Lubelskie Voivodeship and 74.0 kilograms in the area of Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship. In the area of Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship in 2019 the amber was not obtained during the prospecting-exploring geological works.

Moreover, the collected information show that there were 3 new geological works projects approved in Lubelskie Voivodeship (in the vicinities of Brzeźnica Leśna, Górka Lubartowska and Niedźwiada), whereas 1 project approved in 2018 was still valid (in the vicinities of Górka Lubartowska). Moreover, there was 1 valid, active geological works project for prospecting and documenting of sands, amber and glauconite in Niedźwiada. The project was approved by the decision of the Minister of the Environment. In Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship no new geological works projects was approved, whereas 9 projects kept their validity (the vicinities of Babigoszcz, Budzieszewice, Rarwino, Stawno, Szumiąca). There were 7 new geological works projects for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits accepted in Pomorskie Voivodeship. In turn, the Marshal of Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship did not issue any new decision approving the geological works project for the prospecting and exploration of amber deposits.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance, 1,049 kilograms of amber were in 2019 confiscate by the Customs and Tax Service on the Polish external borders (road, marina and aerial border crossings). The total amount of confiscated amber sold during the auctions organized by the Chamber of Tax Administration amounted to 584 kilograms in 2019.

Additionally, it is estimated (however the assessment is very approximate) that the amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is of 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

The prospective resources of amber are difficult to assessed due to the insufficient paleogeographical and facial exploration of the amber-bearing sediments. Locally, it is also difficult because of the resources impoverishment or depletion as the result of the illegal exploitation*. The possibility of development the prospective area of the Eocene primary amber accumulations is unlikely – due to the deposit layer depth below 100 m and the potential conflict between the exploitation and the environment. The nest and stratabound-nest types of the amber accumulations within the xenoliths of the Paleogene amber-bearing sediments and within the Pleistocene and Holocene fluvioglacial and fluvial sediments are of the small size and characterized by the irregular occurrence. Therefore, their resources are unlikely to be documented. In fact, as the reserve base of amber, there can be the prognostic resources within fine-grade Eocene sediments considered – occurring in the northern Lubelszczyzna area. The maximum magnitude of these resources can be evaluated at 22 thousand tonnes. The significant amber occurrences can also be expected within the Quaternary sediments in the area of the Gdańsk shore, especially in the regions of the traditional exploitation on the Vistula river delta.

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński, Krzysztof Szamałek

* Kramarska R., Kasiński J.R., Słodkowska B., 2020 – ‘Bursztyn, sukcynit (amber, succinite)’. In: ‘Bilans perspektywicznych zasobów kopalin Polski wg stanu na 31.12.2018 r.’ (eds. Szamałek K., Szuflicki M., Mizerski W.): 371-377. PIG-PIB, Warszawa.

2018

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in the Tertiary (in situ accumulations) and Quaternary formations (secondary accumulations). The amber occurrences within the beach zone of the Baltic Sea (especially the eastern part) are the subject of collectible and ‘professional’ gathering. Aside from these occurrences, the amber deposits are also located in Pomorskie and Lubelskie Voivodeships areas.

The in situ amber accumulations in the Tertiary sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta) the Chłapowo vicinities are of the best exploration status – the amber-bearing sediments (the so-called ‘blue earth’) occur on the depth between 60 m and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea (the so-called Parczew delta) in the vicinities of Parczew the Tertiary amber-bearing sediments occur shallower – on the depth to 20-30 m. Górka Lubartowska deposit (the Parczew delta) is formed by silty-sandy deltaic sediments of Upper Eocene in age, containing amber. The amber-bearing layer occur below a building sands deposit of about 12 m of the average thickness. The third amber occurrence in the Tertiary sediments is Możdżanowo region near Ustka – the amber-bearing sediments are represented by sands and gravel of Upper Eocene in age. They form the glacial ice float within the Quaternary sediments. The amber-bearing series is characterized by the average thickness of 1.98 m and is located at the depth of about 11 m

The Quaternary amber-bearing accumulations can be detected in the sediments relocated by the glacier and post-glacier rivers from degraded Tertiary deposits, mainly the chłapowsko-sambijska delta sediments. The amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland on the Vistula Spit where amber occur in beach fossil sediments and on recent beaches.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2018 increased by 166.30 tonnes (14.3%) in comparison with 2017 and amount to 1,326.41 tonnes of amber. The resources growth is the result of the documentation of two deposits: Kąty Rybackie (6.90 tonnes) and Rybakówka (1.03 tonnes). Kąty Rybackie deposit was documented in the relation to the building of the water road connecting the Vistula Laggon with the Gulf of Gdańsk, and amber occur in the form of nests or elongated lens within the Holocene, shallow-water, marine silty-sandy sediments at the depth of about 8-37 m. Rybakówka deposit was documented on the Sobieszewo Island within the Gdańsk city limits. It is a quite small nest-lenticular deposit of a coastal and maritime type with amber occurring in sandy beach or abysmal sediments containing the plant detritus. The deposit is characterized by the average thickness of 30 cm and is located at the depth of about 7-8 m. Moreover, the new amber resources were documented as an accompanying raw material with greensands and glauconitic silts in three deposits in Lubartowski county: Górka Lubartowska VIII (7.54 tonnes), Górka Lubartowska-Leszkowice (31.83 tonnes), Niedźwiada Kolonia I (139.64 tonnes). These deposits are neighboring or partially covering the area of already documented Górka Lubartowska deposit. In all of these deposits the crumbs of amber occur accessorily in the Eocene glauconite series (the so-called Siemień formation) formed as corbeu, fine-grained quartzitic-glauconitic sands with silty-clayey layers. The glauconite-bearing horizon is about 4-12 m thick and occur at the depth of about 8-21 m.

In 2018, the output based on the concession was possible only from Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada deposit, however the exploitation carried out on the deposit covered only the main raw material – natural aggregates (sand). In Leszkowice 1 deposit the subject of the concession will be limited only to glass sands.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from Marshals of Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships in 2018 there were the following amounts of amber exploited during geological works under the approved geological works projects: 424.49 kilograms in the area of Pomorskie Voivodeship, 239.52 kilograms in the area of Lubelskie Voivodeship and 18.0 kilograms in the area of Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship.

Moreover, the collected information show that there were 4 geological works projects approved in Lubelskie Voivodeship (in the vicinities of Górka Lubartowska and Niedźwiada), whereas 5 projects were still valid (in the vicinities of Brzeźnica Książęca, Działyń, Górka Lubartowska, Juliopol, Leszkowice, Niedźwiada and Zabiele). In Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship there were 3 new geological works projects approved (all of them in the vicinities of Budzieszowice) and 6 projects kept their validity (the vicinities of Babigoszcz, Budzieszewice, Rarwino, Stawno, Szumiąca). There were 4 new geological works projects for the searching and exploration of amber deposits accepted in Pomorskie Voivodeship.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance, 1,236 kilograms of amber were in 2018 confiscate by the Customs and Tax Service on the Polish external borders (road, marina and aerial border crossings). The total amount of confiscated amber sold during the auctions organized by the Chamber of Tax Administration amounted to 808 kilograms in 2018.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński, Krzysztof Szamałek

2017

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in the Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in the Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 m and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur on the depth between 20 m and 30 m. Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and the average thickness of sediments is of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in the Paleogene sediments is Możdżanowo region near Ustka in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments with the average thickness of 1.98 m occur on the depth about 11 m below the surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in the chłapowsko-sambijska delta. These sediments have been accumulated by the glacier and post-glacier rivers. Big amber concentrations are also encountered (in fossil sediments and on recent beaches) on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2017 increased by 21.16 tonnes (1.9%) in comparison with 2016 and amounted to 1,160.11 tonnes of amber. It was caused by the documentation of amber as the co-occurring raw material with sands and glauconitic silts in 2 deposits in Lubartowski County: Górka Lubartowska-Niedźwiada (98.00 tonnes) and Leszkowice 1 (4.40 tonnes). These 2 deposits partially cover the area of already documented Górka Lubartowska deposit. In both of them the crumbs of amber occur accessorily in the Eocene glauconitic series (the so-called Siemień formation), formed as corbeau, fine-grained quartzic-glauconitic sands with silty-clayey layers. The glauconitic horizon is about 5-7 m thick and occur at the depth of about 11-21 m.

In 2017, there was only one deposit with exploitation concession issued – Przeróbka SL, but there was not output from the deposit carried out and the concession was extinguished at the end of the year. During the exploitation of a natural aggregates deposit Zatoka Koszalińska II on the Baltic Sea there were about 200 kilograms of amber exploited (as the co-occurring raw material).

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from Marshals of 4 Voivodeships (Lubelskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie), there were 1,019.86 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works in Pomorskie Voivodeship.

Moreover, there were 8 geological works projects for searching and exploring of amber deposits valid in Lubelskie Voivodeship in the area of Babianka, Brzeźnica Książęca, Brzeźnica Leśna Kolonia, Działyń, Juliopol, Leszkowice, Niedźwiada, Zabiele and Żminna, whereas 5 new projects were accepted in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship (in the area of Babigoszcz, Budzieszewice, Rarwino and Szumiąca) and 2 projects were still valid (in the area of Stawno and Rarwino).

In Pomorskie Voivodeship there were 20 new geological works projects for searching and exploring of amber deposits approved in the area of: Bogatka, Gdańsk, Gołębiewko, Lublewo, Łebień, Możdżanowo, Przejazdwo, Roszczyce, Skowarcze, Stegna, Sztutowo, Trzcinska, Wiślinka and Wytowno.

Taking these information into account it can be said that the geopotential of amber deposits in Poland is highly accessed by the investors which has been proved by 25 new geological works projects approved in 2017 for searching of amber deposits.

At the same time, according to the information gained from the Department for Combating Economic Crime of the Ministry of Finance, 6,245.865 kilograms of amber were confiscate on the Polish borders by the National Revenue Administration in 2017. The total amount of amber sold during the auctions organized by the National Revenue Administration amounted to 689.139 kilograms in 2017.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Krzysztof Szamałek

2016

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 m and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur on the depth between 20 m and 30 m. Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and the average thickness of sediments is of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is Możdżanowo region near Słupsk in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments occur on the depth about 11 m below surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in chłapowsko-sambijska delta. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2016 have not changed in comparison with 2015 and amounted to 1,138.95 tonnes of amber. There is only one deposit with exploitation concession issued – Przeróbka SL, but there was not output from the deposit carried out in 2016.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from Marshals of four voivodeships, there were 38.5 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, 73.506 kilograms in Lubelskie Voivodeship and 1,730 kilograms in Pomorskie Voivodeship. The total amount of amber exploited during searching works in 2016 was equal 1,842.006 kilograms.

Moreover, there were 31 geological works projects approved for searching and exploring of amber deposits in Pomorskie Voivodeship in the area of Gdańsk, Grochów, Izbiska, Jantar, Kobyla Kępa, Łaszka, Możdżanowo, Przejazdowo, Przemysław, Rychnowo Żuławskie, Stegna, Wiślinka i Wierzchucino, whereas 2 projects were accepted in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship in the area of Rarwino and Stawno.

At the same time, according to the data gained from the Customs Control, Tax Inspection and Gambling Control Departament of the Ministry of Finance, 7,484.90 kilograms of amber were confiscate on the Polish borders by the Custome Service in 2016. It was four times more than in 2015. The total amount of amber sold during the auctions organised by the Custome Service amounted to 1,269.13 kilograms in 2016.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Krzysztof Szamałek

2015

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 m and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur to the depth between 20 m and 30 m. Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and occurs below the layer of sands with the average thickness of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is the Możdżanowo region near Słupsk in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments occur on the depth about 11 m below surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in chłapowsko-sambijska delta. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2015 have changed since 2014 – increased and amounted to 1,139 tonnes of amber. That was due to taking into account four deposits documented in D category and approved by the Voivode of Pomorskie Voivodeship in 2004.

According to the information collected by PGI-NRI from marshals of four voivodeships, there were 1.5 kilograms of amber exploited during geological works in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, 7.8 kilograms of amber in Lubelskie Voivodeship and 1,024 kilograms in Pomorskie Voivodeship. The total amount of amber exploited during exploration works in 2015 was equal 1,033.3 kilograms.

Moreover, there were 2 geological works projects approved for searching and exploring of amber deposits in Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship (Rawin area) and 6 projects accepted in Lubelskie Voivodeship (Leszkowice, Niedźwiad, Brzeźnica Leśna and Brzeźnica Książęca areas).

At the same time, according to the data gained from the Customs Control, Tax Inspection and Gambling Control Departament of the Ministry of Finance, 1,664.93 kilograms of amber were confiscate on the Polish borders by the Custome Service in 2015. The total amount of amber sold during the auctions organized by the Custome Service amounted to 373.15 kilograms in 2015.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1 shows the current state of identification and management of resources of amber in Poland.

Table 1. Amber – tonnes

Table 2. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Krzysztof Szamałek

2014

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur on the depth between 20 and 30 m. The Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and the average thickness of sediments is of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is the Możdżanowo region near Słupsk in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments occur on the depth about 11 m below surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in chłapowsko-sambijska delta. There are two deposits documented: Wiślinka I deposit and Przeróbka-SL deposit. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2014 have not changed sinced 2013 and amounted to 1,118 tonnes of amber within four deposits: Górka Lubartowska, Możdżanowo, Wiślinka I and Przeróbka-SL. There was a new concession for exploitation accepted for Przeróbka-SL deposit in 2013 and economic resources calculated for this deposit are equal 16.911 tonnes of amber. It is opencast mine where sand is accompanying raw material. There were 28 geological works projects approved for searching and exploring of amber deposits in Pomorskie Voivodeship, whereas it were 4 projects accpeted in Lubelskie Voivodeship.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Krzysztof Szamałek

2013

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur on the depth between 20 and 30 m. The Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and the average thickness of sediments is of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is the Możdżanowo region near the Słupsk in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments occur on the depth about 11 m below surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in chłapowsko-sambijska delta. There are two deposits documented: the Wiślinka I deposit and the Przeróbka-SL deposit. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2013 amounted to 1,118 tonnes of amber within four deposits: Górka Lubartowska, Możdżanowo, Wiślinka I and Przeróbka-SL. There was a new concession for exploitation accepted for Przeróbka-SL deposit and economic resources were calculated for this deposit.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 5-6 tonnes per year.

Table 1. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński

2012

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). The best documented is Chłapowo region where sediments occur on the depth between 60 and 130 m. In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. These sediments occur on the depth between 20 and 30 m. The Górka Lubartowska deposit covers the area of 295.88 ha and the average thickness of sediments is of 12 m. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is the Możdżanowo region near the Słupsk in northern Poland. The amber-bearing sediments occur on the depth about 11 m below surface.

Quaternary amber-bearing sediments are occurring mainly in chłapowsko-sambijska delta. There are two deposits documented: the Wiślinka I deposit and the Przeróbka-SL deposit. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2012 amounted to 1,118 tonnes of amber within four deposits: Górka Lubartowska, Możdżanowo, Wiślinka I and Przeróbka-SL.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at several tonnes per year.

Table 1. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński

2011

The amber ascertained in Poland occurs in Paleogene and Quaternary formations. The biggest accumulations of amber in Paleogene sediments are connected with the northern marginal zone of the Eocene Sea. In the northern zone amber has agglomerated in the sandy-silty sediments with glauconite in the Eridan river delta (the so-called chłapowsko-sambijska delta). In the southern zone of the Eocene Sea the amber-bearing sediments (silts and sands with glauconite) were also formed in the delta zone, the so-called Parczew delta. The third amber occurrence in Paleogene sediments is the Możdżanowo region near the Słupsk in northern Poland. Big amber concentrations are also encountered on the Baltic beaches from Kołobrzeg to the eastern border of Poland.

According to the law standards (in force since 1.01.2002) the maximum depth of amber deposits documentation is 30 metres and the minimum efficiency for anticipated economic resources is 80 g/m² and for anticipated subeconomic resources is 40 g/m².

Anticipated economic resources as of 31 December 2011 amounted to 1,118 tonnes of amber within four deposits: Górka Lubartowska, Możdżanowo, Wiślinka I and Przeróbka-SL.

Górka Lubartowska deposit (Parczew region) covers the are of 295.88 ha, resources are estimated at 1,088 tonnes with the average thickness of 12.4 metres.

Resources of Możdżanowo deposit are estimated at 10 tonnes of amber, within Wiślinka I deposit at 2.7 tonnes (deposit has not been exploited since 2000). Przeróbka-SL deposit covers the area of 12.8 ha.

The amount of amber collected on the Baltic beaches is estimated at 4-6 tonnes/year.

Table 1. List of amber deposits – tonnes

Prepared by: Elżbieta Tołkanowicz