Тамватнейское месторождение, Mercury deposit in Tamvatney Mountains, Chukotka Autonomous Region, Russia
The Tamvatney deposit is a mercury reserve in the Koryak Highlands featuring cinnabar as its primary ore mineral. The site spans multiple square kilometers with mining shafts reaching depths exceeding 400 meters beneath the surface.
The deposit was discovered in 1967 by geologist V. G. Silkin during a survey expedition. Intensive exploration work between 1970 and 1986 confirmed its importance as a major mercury source in remote Chukotka.
The mining site led to the establishment of the Tamvatney settlement for geologists, which now stands abandoned in the remote Chukotka region.
This site lies in the remote Chukotka region and is difficult to reach, requiring careful planning before any visit. Visitors should prepare for harsh weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for the environment.
The deposit holds approximately 14627 tons of mercury reserves, enough to meet global market demand for years. An abandoned settlement built for geologists remains as a trace of the intensive exploration efforts.
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