The Kondyor Massif is a geological wonder located in the remote Khabarovsk region of Russia. This massive structure is about 8 kilometers in diameter and 600 meters high, making it nearly 7 times larger than the Meteor Crater in Arizona.
From above, the Kondyor Massif resembles an ancient volcano or a meteorite impact site. However, scientists believe that the massif was formed by molten magma from volcanic rock that crystallized below the ground more than a billion years ago, forming a perfect circle.
Over time, the massif has undergone extensive erosion, leaving behind a hard, rocky core that is rich in precious metals. The streams that flow from the center of the massif contain deposits of platinum, gold, and other minerals. Some of these crystals are extremely rare and valuable, and the Kondyor Massif is known as the “treasure mountain” for its abundance of precious metals.
In particular, the Kondyor Massif is home to a unique mineral called konderite, which is a mixture of copper, platinum, rhodium, lead, and sulfur. This mineral is only found in the Kondyor Massif and is highly prized by collectors.
Platinum mining in the Kondyor Massif began in 1984, and about 4 tons of platinum are mined here each year. The mining operation is carefully regulated to minimize the environmental impact.
The Kondyor Massif is a truly unique and valuable natural resource. It is a testament to the power of nature and the beauty of the Earth’s geological wonders.
