Cheremshanka: Novo-Cheremshansky Nickel Quarry

• The Novo-Cheremshansky Quarry lies on the northeastern edge of Cheremshanka.
• Nickel ore was mined there for the Ufaley Nickel Combine from 1936 to 1988.
• The multi-level pit is 250 metres deep and has a diameter of 1.5 kilometres.
• In the upper part, lignite contains carbonised plant remains that are around 90 million years old.
• There is an observation platform at the quarry.

Nickel ore mining for the Ufaley Nickel Combine is documented for the period from 1936 to 1988. This places the quarry’s industrial history in a specific timeframe without describing mining as an ongoing activity. Its geological designation is also part of its history: on 25 April 1981, under Resolution No. 194, the quarry was declared a geological natural monument of Chelyabinsk Oblast. Its official name is “Nickel weathering crust profile in the Southern Urals”.

The designation was made in 1981, during the stated mining period. Cheremshanka thus brings together two concrete aspects: nickel ore extraction and the designation of a geological natural monument. Those looking to place the site in context will find a clearly defined link between industrial history and geology.

The pit has multiple levels, is 250 metres deep and has a diameter of 1.5 kilometres. Depth and diameter describe different dimensions of the quarry; together they give an idea of its shape and scale. The upper part contains lignite with carbonised plant remains. Their age is given as around 90 million years. This much older geological evidence complements the more recent, dated mining history.

There is also an observation platform at the Novo-Cheremshansky Nickel Quarry. If you plan to visit it, check current access arrangements in advance.

The wider destination of Chelyabinsk Oblast offers other nature-related features that can be considered separately from the local facts about the quarry. The oblast is called the “Land of 3,000 Lakes”; this phrase is a regional description. The geographical boundary between Europe and Asia also runs through the oblast. There are three national parks in total.

Taganai National Park lies in the western part of Chelyabinsk Oblast, in the Taganai mountain junction of the Southern Urals. Its landscapes include rocky peaks, stone rivers, mountain streams, taiga and tundra. The highest part of the oblast is in Zyuratkul National Park. These details provide a regional context for nature interests without attributing them to Cheremshanka.

In Chelyabinsk Oblast, an ecological hiking trail in Taganai National Park is called “All of Taganai in 600 Steps” and is just over 1.5 kilometres long. It passes through scenic areas around Black Rock (Chornaya Skala) and through natural environments typical of the national park. The description mentions a paved path and an observation platform; the trail is designated as wheelchair accessible. At 853 metres, Black Rock (Chornaya Skala) is one of the northern peaks of the Nazminsky Ridge and consists of white quartzite.

The ecological hiking trail to the Zyuratkul Ridge is listed as six kilometres one way, with an elevation gain of 460 metres. It is described as easy and suitable for children. The Malaya Medvezhya Trail starts in the settlement of Zyuratkul and is five kilometres long. Thus, the trails mentioned for the region differ both in their stated lengths and in the available details about elevation gain and starting point. Check current trail conditions before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Lazurnyy, Vishnevogorsk, Verkhny Ufaley, Miass, Gubernskoye, Ozyorsk, Kopeysk, Ust-Katav.

Where is the Novo-Cheremshansky Quarry?

It lies on the northeastern edge of Cheremshanka.

How large is the pit?

The quarry has multiple levels, is 250 metres deep and has a diameter of 1.5 kilometres.

Since when has the quarry been a geological natural monument?

On 25 April 1981, under Resolution No. 194, it was declared a geological natural monument of Chelyabinsk Oblast.

What trail distances are given for hikes in the oblast?

In Chelyabinsk Oblast, the “All of Taganai in 600 Steps” trail is just over 1.5 kilometres long. The trail to the Zyuratkul Ridge is listed as six kilometres one way; the Malaya Medvezhya Trail is five kilometres long.

For the wider travel overview: Chelyabinsk Oblast.