Mir Mine: The Forgotten Diamond Pit of Russia

Mir Mine is a former diamond pit located in the Eastern parts of Siberia, Russia. It is
the fourth deepest diamond mine of the world. The pit was first discovered by a
Russian geologist in 1955. Mir mine was the diamond pit in the USSR. The surface
operation ran for around 44 years and was closed down after the collapse of Soviet
Russia. However, a private organization bought the rights and kept the pits in
operation until 2004.
The mine runs as deep as 525 meters with a diameter of 1200 meters. The
downward air flow is so huge that the air space above it is off limits.
Although, the pit was discovered in 1955, mining began in around 1957. The harsh
7 months long Siberian winter made it very hard for the mine workers. Water was
not used in ore processing, because it would freeze instantly making the process
harder than it is.
This was the mine that immensely helped the economy of Soviet Russia. For a long
time, the Mir mine's yearly turnout was about 10 million carats. The diamonds were
so uniform in size that the De Beers Company, the largest diamond distribution
company in the world was astounded. They continually asked permissions to visit
the mine, but sadly their request was not sanctioned.
Even after its closing in 2004, the Mir mine is shrouded in mystery. The large gaping
hole in the ground of Mirny, Syberia is a constant reminder of the once powerful
United Stated of Soviet Russia.