Krasnokamensk, Zabaykalsky Krai
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Krasnokamensk (English) Краснокаменск (Russian) |
|
|---|---|
.svg) Location of Zabaykalsky Krai on the map of Russia |
|
  Location of Krasnokamensk on the map of Zabaykalsky Krai
|
|
| Coordinates 50°06′N 118°02′E / 50.1°N 118.033°ECoordinates: 50°06′N 118°02′E / 50.1°N 118.033°E |
|
| Coat of Arms | Flag |
.png) |
.png) |
| Administrative status | |
| Federal subject In jurisdiction of Administrative center of |
Zabaykalsky Krai Zabaykalsky Krai Krasnokamensk District |
| Local self-government | |
| Charter | n/a |
| Municipal status | Urban okrug |
| Mayor | n/a |
| Representative Body | n/a |
| Area | |
| Area | n/a |
| Population | |
| 2002 Census - Rank - Density |
55,920 inhabitants n/a n/a |
| Events | |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Town status | 1969 |
| Other information | |
| Postal code | 674670–674684 |
| Dialing code | +7 30245 |
| Official website | |
| n/a | |
Krasnokamensk (Russian: Краснока́менск) is a town in Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, located 535 kilometers (332 mi) south-east of Chita, near the Chinese border. It is best known as the site for Russia's largest uranium mine. Population: 56,000 (2005 est.); 55,920 (2002 Census);[1] 66,872 (1989 Census).[2]
Contents |
[edit] History
Krasnokamensk 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.
The name translates roughly as town on red stone, with the reference to the colour red reflecting both the actual rock formations in the area, as well as its political symbolism in the Soviet era.
From October 2005 until December 2006, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, formerly the 16th-richest man in the world, was jailed in Krasnokamensk on his conviction for tax evasion and fraud.[3]
[edit] Economy and infrastructure
It is best known for its uranium 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 close to the town, with associated chemical plants producing sulphuric acid and lubricants.
A branch railway has connected the town to Russia's rail network since 1972. It is served by Krasnokamensk Airport.
[edit] 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.[4]
In recent years, the dangerously high levels of radioactivity have seen a number of the town's districts near the tailing dumps, such as the settlement Oktyabrsky, evacuated and resettled closer to the town center.
[edit] Notoriety
Location of prison housing Mikhail Khodorkovsky since 2003.
[edit] Sister city
[edit] References
- ^ Федеральная служба государственной статистики (Federal State Statistics Service) (2004-05-21). "Численность населения России, субъектов Российской Федерации в составе федеральных округов, районов, городских поселений, сельских населённых пунктов – районных центров и сельских населённых пунктов с населением 3 тысячи и более человек (Population of Russia, its federal districts, federal subjects, districts, urban localities, rural localities—administrative centers, and rural localities with population of over 3,000)" (in Russian). Всероссийская перепись населения 2002 года (All-Russia Population Census of 2002). Federal State Statistics Service. http://www.perepis2002.ru/ct/doc/1_TOM_01_04.xls. Retrieved on 2008-07-25.
- ^ "Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989 г. Численность наличного населения союзных и автономных республик, автономных областей и округов, краёв, областей, районов, городских поселений и сёл-райцентров. (All Union Population Census of 1989. Present population of union and autonomous republics, autonomous oblasts and okrugs, krais, oblasts, districts, urban settlements, and villages serving as district administrative centers.)" (in Russian). Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989 года (All-Union Population Census of 1989). Demoscope Weekly (website of the Institute of Demographics of the State University—Higher School of Economics. 1989. http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/rus89_reg2.php. Retrieved on 2007-12-13.
- ^ [http://www.daserste.de/weltspiegel/beitrag.asp?uid=3umg7a78ji6veveh Where is Khodorkovsky? - Report from the Westdeutschen Rundfunk (German)
- ^ http://www.blacksmithinstitute.org Blacksmith Institute Website
|
||||||||
 |
This Zabaykalsky Krai location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
