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Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine
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mine
The Madneuli mine, located in the Bolnisi municipality of Georgia, is a major copper-gold open-pit operation. The deposit is a porphyry copper-gold system with associated silver, zinc, and lead. The mine has been in production since 1975 and is currently operated by RMG Copper, a subsidiary of the Georgian Mining Corporation. The annual ore throughput is 2.5 million tonnes, yielding about 8,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate and 1.2 tonnes of gold. The mine site includes a processing plant with crushing, grinding, flotation, and cyanidation circuits. The workforce numbers 2,000 employees. The mine contributes significantly to Georgia's mineral exports, which account for over 10% of the country's export revenue. Environmental management includes tailings dam monitoring and reclamation of disturbed areas. The remaining mine life is estimated at 20-25 years based on current reserves.
- Location: Georgia
- Top sights: Dmanisi Museum Reserve · Dmanisi Sioni · Bolnisi Sioni
- Nearby: Bolnisi (14 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 20 | 31 | 52 | 60 | 56 | 31 | 31 | 26 | 40 | 28 | 24 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Madneuli mine near Kazreti serves as Georgia's primary source of copper and gold. This massive open-pit operation plays a crucial role in the national economy and local industrial landscape.
Visiting
Direct access to the active mining areas is generally strictly prohibited for safety and operational reasons. Visitors can typically only experience the sheer scale of the site from afar.
Where to view it
Public roads traversing the Kazreti region often provide distant glimpses of the terraced open-pit landscapes. Elevated spots in the surrounding hills may offer better overviews of the excavation.
Local products
While the mine itself does not sell direct consumer goods, the local economy in Kazreti is deeply tied to the mining community. You might find regional agricultural produce in nearby village markets.
Active season
Industrial operations typically run year-round, making the distant sounds and sights of machinery consistent across seasons. The surrounding landscape is most lively for viewing during the spring months.
Nearby
A visit to this industrial region can be combined with exploring the historical Bolnisi Sioni Cathedral or the ancient ruins of Dmanisi. The wider Kvemo Kartli region gives a mix of history and rural life.
Geography
Facts
- Start of operations: 1975.
- Annual ore processed: 2.5 million tonnes.
- Copper grade: 0.35%.
- Gold grade: 0.4 g/t.
- Proven and probable reserves: 34 million tonnes.
- Number of employees: 2,000.
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Sights in the town Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine (10)
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Frequently asked questions
What is extracted in Madneuli?
It is a significant mine for copper and gold mining.
Can you visit the site?
No, it is a restricted mining area.
Where is Madneuli located?
In the Kvemo Kartli region, near Bolnisi.
How is the mining done?
Mainly through open-pit mining, which has significantly shaped the region's landscape.
What should you notice when passing by?
The huge tailings and terraces of the open-pit mine are visible from afar.
Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine: where is it located?
Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine is located in Georgia.
Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dmanisi Museum Reserve, Dmanisi Sioni, Bolnisi Sioni.
Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Madneuli Copper-Gold Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Madneuli mine, located in the Bolnisi municipality of Georgia, is a major copper-gold open-pit operation.
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