Voitsky Copper Mine, Regional cultural heritage mining site in Nadvoitsy, Russia.
The Voitsky Copper Mine occupies a peninsula along the Nizhniy Vyg River, with a mountainous elevation dominating the surroundings. Underground passages and building foundations from the original operation remain visible, showing the layout of a historical mining complex.
The mine was founded in 1742 and reached a turning point when workers discovered gold in the copper ore in 1744. This discovery marked it as Russia's first known site where gold was extracted.
The mining site reveals how workers lived and labored here during the 1700s, transforming the local landscape. The visible remains show the techniques and daily routines of people who extracted ore from the ground.
The site sits in a remote location but requires no special preparation to explore the above-ground structures and open passages. Visitors should be ready for uneven ground and potentially damp conditions in the cave areas.
The operation installed one of Russia's first steam engines in 1791, a technical innovation at a time when such machines were uncommon. This early adoption of steam power in a mining operation shows how the region was leading technological advancement in the country.
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