Reserves and production

Peat Reserves

1.7 billion tons of peat accumulated in deposits (information from state LLC LEGMC)
Approximately 1.6 million tons of peat accumulate annually (assuming an average accumulation rate of 2 mm per year)
An average of 1.26 million tons of peat is extracted annually (over a 10-year period)
Bogs (peat deposits) cover 10% of Latvia's territory
Peat extraction takes place on 4% of the peat deposit territory

On January 1, 2025, there were 128 licences for the use of subterranean depths in force for peat extraction in 101 bogs. These were issued to 58 companies and two private individuals. The total area covered by the licences is 25,214.06 ha (information from the State Environmental Service). In 2024, 1.52 million tons (with 40 % moisture content) of peat were extracted.

Information on the extraction of mineral resources is available in the Balance of Mineral Resources, which is compiled annually by the state LLC Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. Since 2019, the stock balance of raw materials for construction, peat, sapropel and healing mud is calculated by exact mining site (according to the limit for the extraction issued and the licence for use if subterranean depths or the permit for the extraction of widespread mineral resources). The calculation includes changes in reserves such as extraction, losses, write-offs of reserves not confirmed at the time of development in accordance with the procedures laid down by law, unaccounted extraction in previous years and corrections of errors. The balance sheet of mineral reserves is available here.

Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, LEGMC

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Data source: Central Statistical Bureau, Latvian Peat Association

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Data source: Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia

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