2nd Sovetskii Mine

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Partizanskoe Pb-Zn deposit (Partizansky), Dalnegorsk, Dalnegorsk Urban District, Primorsky Krai, Russia

Второй Советский рудник

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Key Information

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  • The 2nd Sovetskii Mine is in Dalnegorsk, Primorsky Krai, Russia, about 300 km northeast of Vladivostok, in a region known for mining.

  • It produces lead, zinc, and uncommon minerals like apophyllite and axinite-(Mn), attracting collectors.

  • The mine is part of a skarn deposit, formed by magma interacting with carbonate rocks, with two stages of ore formation.

  • Mining began in the late 19th century in the area, with the mine likely active into recent years, based on 2022 photos.

  • Dalnegorsk’s culture centers on mining, with a history museum; the climate is temperate with cold winters and warm summers.

Geographic Location

The 2nd Sovetskii Mine is located in Dalnegorsk, within the Primorsky Krai region of Russia. This area is in the far east of the country, approximately 300 km northeast of Vladivostok, near the border with China and North Korea. Dalnegorsk, formerly known as Tetyukhe (meaning "valley of the wild pigs" in Chinese), is a well-known mining town. Nearby, other famous localities include the Nikolaevskiy Mine, also in Dalnegorsk, which is renowned for crystallized sulfides.

Minerals Produced

The mine is part of the Partizanskoe Pb-Zn deposit, focusing on lead and zinc. It also yields a variety of other minerals, including:

  • Common ones like calcite, quartz, and galena.
  • Uncommon ones like apophyllite, axinite-(Mn), and datolite, which are particularly interesting for collectors due to their rarity and unique crystal formations.

Geological Structure

The Partizanskoe deposit is a skarn base metal and silver deposit, formed when magma interacted with carbonate rocks, creating metamorphic skarn rocks. It has two stages of ore formation:

  • The base-metal skarn stage, with assemblages like skarn-silicate and galena-sphalerite.
  • A later silver-sulfosalt stage, adding silver-rich minerals. This complex geology makes it a fascinating study for enthusiasts.

Mining History

Mining in Dalnegorsk started in 1897, initiated by Swiss immigrant Julius Brynner, with his son Boris maintaining operations until 1931, one of the longest private mining ventures in Soviet history. The 2nd Sovetskii Mine, part of this region, likely follows this timeline, with photos from 2022 suggesting it remains active or accessible, though specific opening dates for the mine itself are not detailed.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Dalnegorsk’s culture is deeply tied to mining, shaping its identity as a remote industrial town. The Dalnegorsk History Museum offers insights into this heritage, and the town’s unique mineral deposits attract global collectors, adding to its cultural significance.

Climate and Ecology

Primorsky Krai has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Dalnegorsk experiences similar conditions, with snowy winters and milder summers, supporting diverse forests and biodiversity that may influence mineral preservation.

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