Karagaysky Quarry

Karagaysky Quarry is a large magnesite deposit on Mount Karagay, within the town of Satka, Chelyabinsk Region. The quarry has been worked since the early 20th century and remains one of the main industrial sites in the Satka district.

History

The magnesite deposit at Mount Karagay and the village of the same name is considered the first one discovered in Russia: its development began in 1900, and mining officially started here on 21 September 1901. It gave rise to Satka's refractory-materials industry, which still operates today. In 1980, as open-pit mining could no longer provide the previous output, work began on the "Magnezitovaya" mine shaft to extract the deeper levels of the deposit.

What is there now

Magnesite is still mined in the quarry, both by open-pit methods and from the "Magnezitovaya" underground mine. Water has collected at the bottom of the pit, turning turquoise and forming a small pond; locals say a duck lives there. In the Southern Urals magnesite has long been nicknamed the "blue stone", and legend has it the true reason for the name has long been forgotten. Another legend attached to the quarry holds that its colour seems to change and looks different to every person who sees it. An observation platform has been built on the rim of the pit, offering a view of its benches and of the turquoise pond at the bottom.

Getting there

The quarry lies next to the town of Satka, close to the M-5 highway linking Ufa and Chelyabinsk — the turn to Satka is clearly visible from the highway. Since it is an active industrial site, the grounds are fenced off, with a barrier and security at the entrance. Visiting the observation platform requires arranging it with the plant in advance, at least three days ahead, and visits are usually accompanied by plant staff, who talk about the history of the deposit and the magnesite mining process.