One of the largest iron-ore pits of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly — an industrial landscape of Zheleznogorsk District.
Mikhailovsky GOK Open Pit
The Mikhailovskoye iron-ore deposit is part of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly — the world's largest iron-ore basin. The Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant (Metalloinvest group) operates in Zheleznogorsk District, Kursk Oblast. Open-pit mining began in the 20th century; today the basin is one of Central Russia's largest surface mines. Ore lies relatively shallow, which favoured quarrying over shaft mining. For travellers this is industrial tourism, not scenic nature: giant terraces, reddish spoil, machinery on the horizon. Zheleznogorsk's local museum has a KMA history hall — a natural add-on. Viewing areas at the pit are restricted: industrial site, visits and filming require company approval. Plan via official tours or the museum, not unsanctioned drives to spoil tips. Zheleznogorsk grew around the mine: the local museum explains the red terraces better than unsanctioned drives to spoil tips. Without a pit tour, stay with the museum and roadside viewpoints — safer for you and plant security.
How to get there
Zheleznogorsk District, near Zheleznogorsk; ~140 km north of Kursk.
Best season
Year-round; tours by arrangement with museum or plant
Travel tips & stories
Unauthorised access to the pit may be prohibited — check Zheleznogorsk museum.
Industrial zone: helmets and approval are normal on tours.
Reddish spoil is iron-rich rock — do not damage exposures.
Combine with the KMA museum in Zheleznogorsk.
Approach roads are slippery in winter — use winter tyres.
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Local guides
- TR
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