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Poltava Mining

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Poltava Mining (PGZK), located near Horishni Plavni, is the largest producer and exporter of iron ore pellets in Ukraine and is part of the international Ferrexpo group. The plant's history dates back to the 1960s, when development began on the vast magnetite ore deposits on the left bank of the Dnieper River. The complex includes a massive open-pit mine, beneficiation plants, and a pelletizing factory that delivers millions of tons of high-quality raw materials annually to the global steel industry. Pellets from Poltava are characterized by an extremely high iron content and are shipped by rail and sea to renowned steelmakers in Europe and Asia. The company adheres to the latest mining standards and invests heavily in digitizing its operations and reducing CO2 emissions. As one of the country's most significant foreign exchange earners, PGZK holds enormous importance for the national economic performance. The social infrastructure of the city of Horishni Plavni is closely linked to the mine's success, which serves as a model for modern industrial development in Ukraine.

Location: Ukraine
Nearby: Kremenchuk (30 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	-6	-4	2	9	16	21	24	23	17	9	2	-3
Rain mm	47	36	42	35	58	67	63	35	49	45	38	43

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This massive iron ore mining operation in Horishni Plavni is Ukraine's largest exporter of iron ore pellets, supplying leading steel producers worldwide and driving the local economy.

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Visiting

Access to the active mining pits and processing facilities is strictly restricted to authorized personnel for safety reasons, but the sheer scale of the operation can be observed from the perimeter.

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Where to view it

Publicly accessible roads surrounding Horishni Plavni offer distant glimpses of the immense open-pit mining landscape and the towering industrial infrastructure associated with ore processing.

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Local products

While the raw iron ore pellets are strictly for industrial export, the surrounding town's infrastructure and services exist primarily to support the vast workforce of this major enterprise.

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Active season

The mining and processing operations run continuously year-round, so the industrial activity and the movement of heavy transport vehicles are constantly visible regardless of the season.

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Nearby

Combine a view of this colossal industrial site with a visit to the nearby Dnieper River landscapes or explore the regional center of Kremenchuk, known for its own significant industrial heritage.

Geography

Coordinates

49.03500, 33.68200

Facts

The mine officially began extracting iron ore in 1970.
The open-pit mine extends over a length of more than 7 kilometers.
Over 12 million tons of iron ore pellets are produced annually.
The export share of the plant is nearly 100% of its total production.
The pellets have an average iron content exceeding 65%.
The company utilizes autonomous mining trucks and digital fleet control.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Sights in the town Poltava Mining (1)

Horishni Plavni📍 landmark

Horishni Plavni is a city in Poltava Oblast, known for iron ore mining and processing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is extracted at the Poltava Mining Combinate?

It specializes in iron ore mining and the production of pellets for the steel industry.

Are there observation points for tourists?

In Horishni Plavni, there are points from which you can see the massive scale of the open-pit mines.

Who operates the combinate?

It belongs to the Ferrexpo group, one of the world's leading pellet exporters.

How large are the open-pit mines?

They are among the deepest and largest man-made pits in Europe.

Can you visit the town of Horishni Plavni?

Yes, it is a modern industrial town on the banks of the Dnipro with well-kept parks.

Poltava Mining: where is it located?

Poltava Mining is located in Ukraine.

Poltava Mining: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Poltava Mining: why is it worth visiting?

Poltava Mining (PGZK), located near Horishni Plavni, is the largest producer and exporter of iron ore pellets in Ukraine and is part of the international Ferrexpo group.

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