In the Transcarpathian region, illegal extraction of the mineral zeolite has been halted at the only deposit in Ukraine and one of the largest in Europe. This information was disclosed by the regional prosecutor’s office.
This is reported by Finway
Illegal extraction covered over 3 hectares of unique territory
Investigators found that from 2022 to 2025, a 56-year-old manager of a local plant organized the extraction of zeolite without the appropriate permit. The work was carried out with the involvement of external contracting organizations that performed drilling and blasting operations. During this time, approximately 8,890 tons of the valuable mineral were illegally extracted, causing the state losses exceeding 11 million hryvnias.
“The work was conducted at the only zeolite deposit in Ukraine – one of the largest in Europe. Zeolite is used as an ecological sorbent, in agriculture, construction, and for water purification,” the statement reads.
The plant manager has been given a preventive measure
The director of the enterprise is currently charged with the illegal extraction of minerals of national significance, committed by an official using explosive works. His actions have been classified under part 4 of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court has already made a decision regarding the preventive measure for the suspect.