Russia to Track Amber with Artificial Intelligence
Starting in 2025, the country’s main amber producer will use AI-powered vision systems to analyze each stone and assign it a digital ID, curbing smuggling and counterfeits.
Russia plans to bring artificial intelligence to one of its oldest natural industries — amber mining. Beginning in November 2025, the Kaliningrad Amber Factory, part of the Rostec State Corporation, will launch a pilot program for digital labeling of mined amber, using AI and computer vision to identify and catalog every piece.
The system will scan each stone’s unique characteristics — including color, shape, and internal structure — and assign it a digital identifier stored in a secure database. This creates a verifiable record for every stage of production, from extraction to sale.
Fighting Illegal Mining and Fakes
According to experts, about 30% of the global amber market consists of illegally mined material. The introduction of AI-based labeling is expected to significantly reduce illegal trade, which has long plagued the industry.
The system will also help combat counterfeit amber products, which currently make up between 20% and two-thirds of all jewelry and decorative items on the market. Following the pilot phase, large-scale implementation of the technology is planned for 2026, positioning Russia as a leader in digital traceability for natural resources.
