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This is one of the largest kimberlite pipes in the world. Diamond extraction using a surface mining method began in Yakutia in 1957. An amount of diamonds mined and extracted for 44 years in career unofficially estimates to $17 billion. 350 million cubic meters of rock where taken to mine all these diamonds. Spiral road from the top of the quarry to its bottom has a length of 8 kilometers. The largest diamond in Russia was found in this quarry in December 23, 1980. The weight of the precious stone is 342,5 carats (more than 68 g), it was called "XXVI Congress of the CPSU". By 2001, the Mir mine has become too deep and dangerous for workers. It was decided to stop surface diamond mining and to use shaft mining method. The quarry became a local landmark. Above it, there is an observation deck and a memorial sign.
{oziogallery 613}