Dallol, Former mining settlement in Kilbet Rasu, Ethiopia.
Dallol is a former mining settlement in the Afar Depression located 130 meters (426 ft) below sea level, marked by colorful mineral deposits. The landscape is shaped by underground heat sources that have created distinctive geological formations including sulfur springs and crystalline structures.
The settlement began in 1918 with the construction of a railway for potash transport and reached peak production before World War I. After this early boom, the site was abandoned as resources depleted and economic conditions shifted.
The Afar people in this region use traditional methods for salt extraction, with camel caravans transporting blocks through the desert landscape. These practices shape daily life and the local economy to this day.
Access to this location requires specialized transportation and experienced guides, as no direct roads lead to the site. Careful advance planning is necessary to arrange the long journey through challenging terrain.
This place is often noted as one of the hottest inhabited locations on Earth, with extreme temperature conditions that few can endure. The harsh setting has also meant that most buildings and structures have collapsed over the years due to these unforgiving conditions.
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