The Dolyna Salt Deposit is Reviving: How This Will Change Prykarpattia and Ukraine.

In the heart of Prykarpattia, where history intertwines with modernity, the Dolyna salt deposit is preparing for a new stage of development. This place, known for salt extraction since the 10th century, after decades of decline, has a chance to regain its glory. Soon, Dolyna may once again become an important center of the salt mining industry in Ukraine. The News.LIVE editorial tells the story of the Dolyna deposit, modern steps to restore extraction, and its significance for the region. History of the Dolyna Salt Deposit The Dolyna salt deposit in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast is one of the oldest in Ukraine. Salt extraction here began back in the 10th century when salt was a valuable resource, comparable to gold. By the mid-20th century, the Dolyna salt production plant was a key enterprise in the city, providing jobs for thousands of people and supplying salt for the needs of the region and the country. 'Our salt deposit is one of the oldest in Ukraine — salt has been extracted here since the 10th century. By the mid-20th century, the Dolyna salt production plant was one of the largest enterprises in the city,' said the mayor of Dolyna, Ivan Dyryv. However, over time, due to economic and technological changes, the enterprise declined, and extraction ceased. Decades of inactivity left the deposit in the shadows, but the story of Dolyna salt is not over. Today, the local community and investors are striving to revive its glory. Restoration of Salt Extraction in Dolyna In 2023, the Kharkiv company 'Planet Comfort' LLC obtained a special permit for the extraction of rock salt (halite) at the Dolyna deposit, purchasing it at an auction held by the State Service of Geology and Mineral Resources for over 8.5 million UAH. Currently, project documentation is actively being developed, and specialists from the State Research and Design Institute of Basic Chemistry 'NIOKHIM' play a key role in this process. Their experience allows the creation of modern, efficient, and environmentally safe production. 'Right now, work is boiling over the restoration of salt extraction. These are not just promises, but concrete steps: work is actively ongoing on the Development Project for the Dolyna deposit,' emphasized Dyryv. The project entails not only the restoration of extraction but also the establishment of a new salt production plant that will meet modern standards. This includes the use of advanced technologies to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Environmental Assessment of the Dolyna Deposit One of the key aspects in preparing for the restoration of extraction is the environmental impact assessment (EIA). This process is mandatory and demonstrates a responsible approach to the implementation of the project. The assessment is conducted in accordance with the environmental legislation of Ukraine to ensure the safe functioning of future production and the preservation of the natural balance in the region. 'A thorough assessment of environmental impact is being conducted. This indicates a responsible approach that takes into account environmental standards and preservation of the natural balance,' emphasized Dyryv. The environmental assessment covers the analysis of potential impacts of extraction on soils, water resources, air, and biodiversity. This approach ensures that the project will not only bring economic benefits but also not harm the nature of Prykarpattia. The Significance of Reviving Dolyna Salt The restoration of salt extraction in Dolyna is not just an economic project but also a symbol of the revival of the region. After the shutdown of Europe’s largest enterprise 'Artemsil' in 2022 due to the Russian occupation, Ukraine lost a significant part of its salt production. This led to an increase in imports: in 2022, the country imported 438.1 thousand tons of salt for 92.1 million dollars, while in 2021 it exported 710 thousand tons. The restoration of the Dolyna deposit's operations could partially compensate for these losses and strengthen the national salt mining sector. For the local community, the project means new jobs, infrastructure development, and economic growth. Historically, Dolyna salt has been a symbol of the region, and its return could be an important step in restoring cultural and economic heritage. 'The restoration of salt extraction in Dolyna is not just an economic project. It is a symbol of revival, a return to historical roots, and the opening of new horizons for the region,' asserts Dyryv. It is worth noting that salt, known as 'white gold,' has always played a key role in human history, influencing economies and wars. Today, Europe hosts significant salt deposits, and their development is extremely important for the modern world. Depending on the deposit, salt extraction can be carried out using open-pit, underground, or hydrochemical methods, ensuring the needs of many industries. We also discussed that the Transcarpathian region, the heart of the Carpathians, is a unique natural repository where millions of years of geological processes have formed a true treasure of minerals. This region impresses with its diversity of resources — from ores and gold to therapeutic mineral waters, which are an essential basis for the economy, industry, construction, and medicine. Summary: The activity of the salt extraction deposit in Dolyna, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, is being revived after decades of neglect. The project aims at efficient and environmentally safe extraction.