A magnetic anomaly is a local variation in the Earth’s magnetic field or deviations in values of a magnetic field on the surface of the earth from the normal values. Magnetic anomalies are observed most intensively in areas where iron ores and other iron-containing rocks occur.
The Kursk Magnetic Anomaly is the vastest territory rich in iron ore in the world. It is situated within the Kursk, Belgorod and Orlov Regions. Nowadays about 30 billion tonnes of natural resources are developed and billions of tonnes are left untouched. The Mikhailovsk deposit is one of the major iron ore mines located near Zheleznogorsk, 100 km NW of Kursk. The population of Zheleznogorsk is over 100 thousand people, 30% of them work at the deposit. The deposit occupies the second place in Russia by volume of iron ore raw material production. In 2005 it produced 18.3% of payable iron ore and 24% of iron-ore pellets in Russia. The main consumers of the material produced by the deposit are represented by the countries of Eastern Europe.
Iron ores of the Mikhailovsk deposit are developed at 3 open-pit mines, the total extension of which equals to 6 km with the width being equal to 4 km. The development was launched in 1960. In short, the following working cycle is predetermined. Iron ores are freed from the sedimentary cover with the help of walking excavators. The initial stage is followed by a well drilling stage which is done by explosion. Drill cuttings undergo a series of explosions. The exploded ore is taken first to the warehouse and later is loaded onto a train. After that the ore reaches a mining and processing enterprise for subsequent development and production of iron pellets which are delivered to mining and processing enterprises.
Top plan view of the pit reveals a large and lifeless hollow.
A walking excavator or a dragline the height of which is equal to that of a 5-storey building is used to free the ore from the sedimental covering.
The draglines are produced in the city of Yekaterinburg.
The maximum depth of an open-pit mine constitutes about 350 meters.
Belaz truck unloadsthe ore which is then distributed over the train. Komatsu truck is going to have a little bit of rest.
Belorusian trucks (Belaz) don’t look so heavy as Japanese Komatsu machines.
Wastes got in the result of ore-dressing processes are taken to the disposal area. Disposal areas are used to store dead rock by means of hydraulic mining. The areas include bund walls, sediment pond, and appliances for clarified water removal.The size of the disposal area of the Mikhailovsk mining and processing enterprise is impressive. Its approximate length is about 10 km.
The soil is unsettled. Standing still for some minutes is enough to get stuck.
Technogenic swamp.
Slack exit
On the territory of the disposal area there is a spot where a voice is refracted. As it is difficult to breathe here the metal voice can be explained by a shortage of oxygen in the brain.
The closer one is to water the more dangerous it is.
Foxes, hares and roe deers are widely met here. If a roe deer gets stuck in the sand it dies as the pressure is too high to resist.
Though the dangerous signs mean nothing for Russian fishermen who come here to enjoy fishing from time to time.
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