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Municipal district Krasnokamensky Municipal District Weather -3°C, Wind W at 24 km/h, 31% Humidity | ||
Krasnokamensk (Russian: Краснокаменск; [krəsnɐˈkamʲɪnsk]) is a town and the administrative center of Krasnokamensky District in Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, located near the Sino-Russian border, 535 kilometers (332 mi) southeast of Chita, the administrative center of the krai. It is best known as the site for Russia's largest uranium mine. Population: 55,666 (2010 Census); 55,920 (2002 Census); 66,872 (1989 Census).
Contents
- Map of Krasnokamensk Zabaykalsky Krai Russia 674674
- Etymology
- History
- Administrative and municipal status
- Economy
- Transportation
- Pollution
- Sister city
- References
Map of Krasnokamensk, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, 674674
Etymology
The name translates roughly as town on red stone, with the reference to the color red reflecting both the actual rock formations in the area, as well as its political symbolism in the Soviet era.
History
It was founded in 1968, in conjunction with the commencement of mining of the Streltsovskoye uranium deposits, which had been discovered near the present site of the city in 1963. The settlement grew quickly and was granted town status in 1969.
From October 2005 until December 2006, Mikhail Khodorkovsky was jailed in Krasnokamensk on his conviction for tax evasion and fraud.
Administrative and municipal status
Within the framework of administrative divisions, Krasnokamensk serves as the administrative center of Krasnokamensky District, to which it is directly subordinated. As a municipal division, the town of Krasnokamensk, together with one rural locality (the settlement of Oktyabrsky), is incorporated within Krasnokamensky Municipal District as Krasnokamensk Urban Settlement.
Economy
The town is best known for its uranium mine - Priargunsky mine - the largest in Russia. The mine produces around 90% of Russia's total output, and almost 10% of world production. In addition to uranium, molybdenum, manganese, and brown coal are also mined in the town's vicinity, with associated chemical plants producing sulfuric acid and lubricants.
Transportation
A branch railway has connected the town to Russia's rail network since 1972. Krasnokamensk is served by the Krasnokamensk Airport.
Pollution
According to the Blacksmith Institute, Krasnokamensk has generated fifty to seventy-five million tons of tailings, making it the largest waste stream at a uranium production site in the world. A Baley community survey documents hundreds of homes with radiation levels as much as 10-20 times the permissible levels. About 500-1000 homes or more suffer from radiation exposures far above international standards.
In recent years, the dangerously high levels of radioactivity led to evacuation and resettlement of residents living near the tailing dumps.