Verkhnii Mine
Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai, Russia
Верхний рудник
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
Verkhnii Mine is located in Dalnegorsk, Primorsky Krai, Russia, about 300 km northeast of Vladivostok, in the Far East near China and North Korea.
It produces a variety of minerals, including sphalerite, calcite, and rare ones like aurichalcite and adamite, appealing to collectors.
The geological structure is likely skarn deposits in limestone, formed by magma interaction, rich in diverse minerals.
Mining started in 1897 by Julius Brynner, focusing on lead and zinc, and continues with major industrial operations today.
The local culture is tied to mining, with historical ties to the Brynner family, including actor Yul Brynner.
The climate is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, supporting local forests.
Location and Minerals
Verkhnii Mine sits in Dalnegorsk, a town in Russia's Far East, roughly 300 km northeast of Vladivostok, close to the borders with China and North Korea. This region, once called Tetyukhe, was renamed in 1973 and is surrounded by settlements like Dalnegorsk (5.5 km away) and Krasnorechenskiy (17.2 km away). It's a key area for mineral enthusiasts, known for producing a wide range of minerals, including common ones like sphalerite and calcite, and rarer finds like aurichalcite and adamite, which are prized for their unique colors and forms.
Geological and Mining History
The mine's geology features skarn deposits, likely formed when magma interacted with limestone, creating a rich mineral environment. Mining began in 1897, initiated by Swiss immigrant Julius Brynner, focusing on lead and zinc. His son, Boris, managed it until 1931, making it a notable private enterprise in Soviet times. Today, it's part of larger operations like JSC Bor and JSC Dalpolimetal, continuing to extract valuable minerals.
Culture and Environment
Dalnegorsk's culture is deeply rooted in its mining history, with a legacy linked to the Brynner family, notably Yul Brynner, the famous actor. The town's economy and community life revolve around mining, with historical sites reflecting this heritage. The climate is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers, moderated by the Pacific Ocean, supporting local forests and diverse ecosystems.