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Mishraq Sulphur Mine

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Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)

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The Mishraq Sulphur Mine, located in the Nineveh Governorate approximately 45 kilometers south of Mosul, is renowned for holding one of the world's largest deposits of native sulphur. Commercial operations began in the early 1970s, developed with significant technical cooperation from Polish industrial firms. The mine is of strategic importance to Iraq's economy, as sulphur serves as a primary raw material for the production of fertilizers and sulphuric acid. Throughout Iraq's recent history, the facility has faced severe challenges, most notably during massive fires ignited during armed conflicts in 2003 and 2016. These incidents resulted in significant environmental damage and public health crises due to the release of toxic sulphur dioxide gas. Despite these setbacks, the mine's potential remains immense, with estimated reserves reaching hundreds of millions of tons. Efforts are currently underway by the Iraqi government to modernize the equipment and restore full production capacity to boost the nation's industrial exports. The mine remains a key component of the regional industrial network centered around Al-Qayyarah.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C791419253235353024149
Rain mm42375042162112183141

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This massive deposit near Mosul is one of the largest sulphur sources worldwide and plays an absolutely fundamental role for the country's chemical industry and resource extraction.
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Visiting
Because this is a strategically important and potentially dangerous mining zone, public access is generally prohibited and security is strictly monitored by the local authorities.
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Where to view it
The vast, often desolate landscape surrounding the mine can be observed from a safe distance from the regional highways, without directly approaching any of the industrial facilities.
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Local products
While sulphur is not a typical souvenir, visitors can find traditional handicrafts, regional spices, and authentic Iraqi culinary specialties in the markets of Mosul further away.
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Active season
Industrial extraction occurs continuously, however, the cooler months between November and March are much more pleasant for long-distance observations due to the extreme summer heat.
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Nearby
Travelers in the wider area typically combine passing through this region with a visit to the historical sites in Nineveh or the cultural exploration of Erbil situated in the north.

Geography

Coordinates
35.98000, 43.32000

Facts

  • The mine is estimated to contain over 600 million tons of sulphur reserves.
  • Industrial extraction at the site officially began in December 1971.
  • In 2003, a fire at the mine burned continuously for over three weeks.
  • The 2016 fire was caused by sabotage during the military operations for Mosul.
  • Polish engineers were instrumental in establishing the mine's technical infrastructure.
  • Sulphur from Mishraq is a vital input for regional fertilizer manufacturing.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Great ZabGreat Zab4 km · NEExplore →
NimrudNimrud10 km · EExplore →
Mount MaqlubMount Maqlub35 km · EExplore →
MosulMosul36 km · SEExplore →
NinevehNineveh36 km · SEExplore →
AssurAssur43 km · WExplore →
Mar Mattai MonasteryMar Mattai Monastery43 km · EExplore →
Lalish TempleLalish Temple64 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mishraq Sulphur Mine (3)

Safina Village🌿 nature

A viewpoint offering scenic vistas over the traditional settlement of Safina and the nearby Tigris valley.

Ayn al Jarad al Athariyah🏺 historical

The historic ruins of an ancient settlement located in the arid landscapes near Mishraq.

Arfilah masquest📍 landmark

A local Muslim mosque serving the community in the vicinity of the Mishraq sulphur mine area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mishraq sulphur mine the largest in the world?
Yes, it is considered one of the world's largest deposits of native sulphur.
Where is the mine located?
It is located south of Mosul, near the confluence of the Tigris and Greater Zab rivers.
Is there a visitor center there?
No, it is a purely industrial and mining area with no tourist infrastructure.
What is the sulphur used for?
Primarily for the production of sulphuric acid and fertilizers.
Is the area safe?
The area is industrial and may pose environmental hazards due to past fires.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine: where is it located?
Mishraq Sulphur Mine is located in Iraq.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Safina Village, Ayn al Jarad al Athariyah, Arfilah masquest.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Mishraq Sulphur Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Mishraq Sulphur Mine, located in the Nineveh Governorate approximately 45 kilometers south of Mosul, is renowned for holding one of the world's largest deposits of native sulphur.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Mosul — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mosul
One of the largest cities in northern Iraq, near the ruins of ancient Nineveh.
Tal Afar — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Tal Afar
A city in Nineveh province, dominated by an historic Ottoman fortress.

History & landmarks

Great Mosque of al-Nuri — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Great Mosque of al-Nuri
A historic mosque in Mosul that was particularly famous for its renowned leaning minaret.
Mar Mattai Monastery — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mar Mattai Monastery
One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, spectacularly built into the side of Mount Alfaf.
Hatra — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified Parthian city, known for its unique blend of Hellenistic and Roman architecture.

Nature

Mosul Dam Lake — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mosul Dam Lake
The Mosul Dam Lake on the Tigris is the largest reservoir in Iraq and provides essential water for agriculture.

More places

Nimrud — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Nimrud
An ancient Assyrian city famous for its massive palaces and giant stone figures.
Mount Maqlub — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mount Maqlub
A mountain in the Nineveh Plain northeast of Mosul, holding historical significance for the local Christian communities.
Nineveh — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Nineveh
Once the largest city in the world and the most important capital of the Assyrian Empire.
Mosul Woods — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mosul Woods
A forested recreation area on the banks of the Tigris, considered the green lung of the city of Mosul.
Lalish Temple — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Lalish Temple
The holiest sanctuary of the Yazidis, located in a picturesque valley in the north of the country.
Hatra — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Hatra
A fortified ancient city with impressive Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
Mosul Dam — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Mosul Dam
The largest dam in Iraq, located on the Tigris River, of immense importance for flood control, irrigation, and power generation.
Al-Jazira Plateau — Mishraq Sulphur Mine (Iraq)
Al-Jazira Plateau
A vast plateau between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, forming the northwestern part of Mesopotamia.