COUNTRY FIELD GUIDE
Albania treats designated geological and geomorphological formations and mineral deposits as Natural Monuments, with a protection level equivalent to a strict reserve. Collection of materials or samples inside protected areas is separately regulated. Active mining districts are licensed industrial areas; this explorer does not treat mineral occurrence or visitor access as collecting permission.
Protected / viewing · prohibited
Materials: Limestone
Albania’s official tourism authority describes Osum Canyon as an extraordinary Natural Monument shaped by the river, with caves and distinctive geological formations. The map uses a public viewpoint/parking area rather than cliff or riverbed collecting access.
Next review: 2027-09-10
Research only · research
Materials: Chromite
Albania’s National Agency of Natural Resources identifies Bulqizë as the country’s most important chromium region and reports 118 active chromium exploitation permits in the Bulqizë area at the end of 2024. A town-level reference point is used rather than mine portals or dumps.
Next review: 2027-03-09
Protected / viewing · prohibited
Materials: Limestone, Calcite, Cave Bear Fossils
The Albanian National Tourism Agency identifies Pëllumbas as a karst cave and Natural Monument with stalactites, stalagmites, prehistoric human evidence and ancient fauna. It is mapped strictly as a viewing and education destination.
Next review: 2027-09-10
Protected / viewing · prohibited
Materials: Limestone
The Albanian National Tourism Agency identifies the Blue Eye as a Natural Monument with hydrogeological value and a karst spring more than 45 metres deep. AKZM states that Natural Monuments receive protection equivalent to strict reserves.
Next review: 2027-09-10
Protected / viewing · viewing
Materials: Bitumen
Albania’s official tourism authority describes Selenicë as a town whose identity and development are closely tied to bitumen extraction and industrial heritage. The record routes only to the town, not to industrial workings.
Next review: 2027-09-10