Discover the Mirny Mine: The Deepest Diamond Pit in the World That Can Allegedly Pull Helicopters from the Sky
The Mirny Mine, located in eastern Siberia, Russia, stands as one of the largest man-made holes on Earth. This massive open-pit diamond mine reaches an astounding depth of over 500 meters, with a diameter exceeding 1,200 meters. But beyond its colossal size and economic value, the mine is shrouded in eerie urban legends. Among them: some say helicopters that fly too close to the massive hole have been “sucked in” by its powerful air currents and crashed.
Whether fact or fiction, the scale of Mirny Mine is undeniably breathtaking — and the story of how it came to be is just as remarkable.
How It All Began
The origin of the Mirny Mine dates back to 1955, when Soviet geologists discovered rich deposits of kimberlite, a volcanic rock known to contain diamonds. Despite harsh conditions and post-WWII recovery, the Soviet Union pressed forward with mining efforts, determined to uncover what lay beneath the permafrost.
The mine officially opened in 1957, becoming one of the most productive diamond mines in the world.
Brutal Working Conditions in Siberia
Eastern Siberia is known for being one of the harshest climates on the planet. During its long winters, temperatures often plummet to -40°C (-40°F). These extreme conditions posed serious challenges: rubber tires on trucks became brittle, steel components cracked, and engines failed to start.
Additionally, the ground was frozen year-round due to the presence of permafrost — permanently frozen earth that made excavation extremely difficult. Engineers had to rely on explosives and heavy-duty drills to break through the tough terrain before mining could begin.
Record-Breaking Diamond Production
Despite the formidable obstacles, the Mirny Mine delivered staggering results. By 1960, the mine was producing over 2 million carats of diamonds per year. Over the decades, its total diamond output is estimated to have generated revenue exceeding $16 billion USD.
That incredible output helped establish the Soviet Union as a dominant force in the global diamond trade for much of the 20th century.
A Modern Relic of Soviet Power
Operations at the Mirny Mine slowed in the 1990s and eventually ceased open-pit mining in 2001. Though underground mining continued for a time, the site is now inactive. Still, the massive crater remains a symbol of Soviet engineering ambition — and a stark reminder of the extreme lengths humanity will go to uncover the Earth’s buried treasures.
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ref : israelidiamond , nasa
