The Leszkowice-1 amber mine is a modern extraction facility owned by BJ Minerals, located in the village of Leszkowice (address: Leszkowice 299) in the Ostrówek municipality, Lubartów County, Lublin Voivodeship. The mine’s location ensures convenient access to major urban centers and transport infrastructure.

Convenient Transport Connections

Thanks to its strategic location, the Leszkowice-1 mine is easily accessible from major cities and airports. The mine is:

– 35 km from Lublin, the administrative and economic hub of the Lublin region.

– 170 km from Chopin and Modlin airports in Warsaw, facilitating international amber transport and trade relations with partners worldwide.

The mine can be conveniently reached via major express routes:

– From Warsaw via the S17 expressway connecting Warsaw to Lublin. From Lublin, the journey continues on National Road 19 towards Lubartów and Leszkowice, taking approximately 2.5 hours.

– From Radom via the S12 expressway through Puławy, then S17 to Lublin, and National Road 19 to Leszkowice. The entire trip takes about 1.5 hours.

– From Rzeszów via the S19 expressway directly to Lublin, then National Road 19 towards the mine. The expressway network enables quick travel between regions.

Landscape and Natural Features

Leszkowice is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Lublin region and lies near the Wieprz River, one of the cleanest rivers in the area and a valuable scenic feature. The vicinity of the mine is characterized by green meadows, forests, and agricultural areas, creating a pleasant working environment while highlighting the region’s natural beauty. This makes Leszkowice an attractive spot on both the business and tourist map, encouraging BJ Minerals’ investments.

History and Development of BJ Minerals

BJ Minerals began operations in 2014, initially focusing on acquiring land necessary for the future amber mine. After completing this stage, the company worked intensively to obtain exploration and mining permits for amber deposits. A significant milestone was reached in July 2018 when BJ Minerals was granted a concession to exploit the deposits, enabling the next phase of project implementation.

After receiving the concession, preparation of the deposit began, including the construction of necessary infrastructure. Specialized facilities, such as a processing plant and social and technical facilities, were built to support mining operations.

Milestones in Deposit Exploitation

In 2023, BJ Minerals conducted its first amber mining trials, providing valuable insights into deposit exploitation methods. Initially, the method used proved inefficient, prompting the company to implement technological changes. Following these improvements, mining has been conducted using traditional open-pit methods since 2024, which are more efficient and adapted to the local amber deposit conditions.

BJ Minerals continuously develops its mining technologies, focusing on quality and efficiency. The company has become a key player in Poland’s amber market, significantly impacting the region’s economy and the country’s amber industry.

Amber Deposits

Amber deposits in the Lublin region, including those in the Leszkowice mine area, are part of the broader range of Baltic amber, which formed approximately 40–50 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. Baltic amber, the most common type of amber found in Poland, originates from the resin of ancient coniferous trees that once grew in forests covering what is now Northern Europe.

Characteristics of Amber Deposits in the Lublin Region

Amber deposits in the Lublin region, particularly in Lubartów County, where the Leszkowice-1 mine is located, are dispersed in layers of sand, clay, and gravel deposited by rivers and seas that once covered these areas. The amber occurs in small nuggets and pieces, with colors ranging from light brown and yellow to darker shades, sometimes with a greenish tint, characteristic of this region in Poland.

Depth and Exploitation of Deposits

Amber is found at depths of 25 to 30 meters beneath glauconite sand layers, making it relatively accessible for open-pit mining. The overlying layers include a 5.5-meter-thick siltstone layer topped by quartz sands. While the deposits have lower concentrations compared to areas like the Vistula Lagoon, the geological conditions are favorable for mining. Careful planning and appropriate technology are essential for efficient exploitation.

Mining Technology at Leszkowice-1 Amber Mine

The Leszkowice-1 amber mine, owned by BJ Minerals, employs advanced mining technology tailored to the specific geological and hydrogeological conditions of the deposit. Mining begins with the removal of the sand overburden using a dredger, exposing the deeper amber-bearing layers.

Extraction Process

The amber deposit at Leszkowice-1 is found in siltstone and glauconite sands, which have distinct physical properties. Further mining is conducted using open-pit methods with extraction benches. Excavators and dump trucks are used to transport glauconite sand to a stockpile for drying, which takes about a week before processing. The processing plant then washes the amber from the sand, ensuring efficient extraction while preserving natural resources.

Dewatering and Closed Water Circulation

Due to the area’s hydrogeological conditions, dewatering of the mining site is necessary for efficient operations. The extracted water is directed to a dedicated mining reservoir within concession field C, where it naturally infiltrates back into the current mining site. This closed water circulation system is crucial for protecting water resources and supporting sustainable mining practices.

Technical Standards and Environmental Care

The Leszkowice-1 mine utilizes machinery and equipment that meet the highest technical standards, minimizing the environmental impact of mining activities. Technological processes have been optimized for closed-loop resource management, an essential element of BJ Minerals’ sustainable development strategy.

Thanks to advanced technology and environmental care, the Leszkowice-1 mine is a model of modern amber mining conducted with respect for the surrounding nature.