Drones and AI Help Russia Crack Down on Illegal Stone Mining

In Novosibirsk, AI-powered drones are being deployed to stop unauthorized quarrying operations—leading to millions in penalties and a surge in legal mining activity.

In Russia, modern digital tools and drones are now part of the fight against illegal mining of construction stone—a growing problem in regions rich in mineral resources. The Novosibirsk region, one of the country’s largest centers for stone extraction, has seen a noticeable shift in enforcement. Over the past two years, law enforcement has received evidence of illegal mining worth more than 40 million rubles (roughly $450,000). Any unauthorized activity is quickly detected by AI-equipped drones and leads to steep fines.

Authorities say the surveillance system is both fast and effective. The drones transmit real-time data on violations, allowing swift intervention. At the same time, Novosibirsk has streamlined the process for legal mineral extraction, with 26 officially developed stone quarries and a growing output—7,700 cubic meters of stone mined in 2024 alone.

Companies obtain mining licenses through public auctions, while Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology conducts regular inspections. On July 25, for example, inspectors reviewed operations at the Ust-Kamensky quarry in the Toguchinsky district.

Mining operators in the region are also adopting modern digital technologies to enhance safety and improve the quality of extraction. The result: more accountability, better oversight, and a clear signal that ‘stone piracy’ comes at a high cost.