No. 3 Mine Tour Guide
The Geological Epic of the Gongxun Mine
No. 3 Mine is the soul of Keketohai: a giant mine dug in a spiral deep down, which once produced rare metals and was known as the 'Meritorious Mine.' Standing on the edge of the pit and looking down at this mining bowl hundreds of meters in diameter, and then seeing the specimens in the geological exhibition hall, that industrial era comes rushing back.
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Destination Details
The mining operations began in the last century, and at its peak, tens of thousands of miners and their families gathered here. The ore veins contained various rare metals such as lithium, beryllium, and tantalum. After the cessation of mining, the stepped giant pits seen today were left behind, creating a strong contrast with the landscapes of the Irtysh Grand Canyon.
Visitor Highlights
- Highlights: Mine viewing platform, geological exhibition hall, Soviet-style old building district
- Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours in total; it's windy along the pit edge, so keep warm
- Combination: Part of the Koktokay scenic route along with the Irtysh Grand Canyon and Shenzhong Mountain
Accommodation and dining are well developed in Koktokay Town. In autumn (mid to late September), the combination of birch trees and the mines is especially photogenic.
