Gold Rush in the Russian Far East

Gold mine named after Matrosov is located in the snowy wilderness (about 400 km from Magadan).

This is one of the largest gold mines in the world. This place is explored by geologists in the late 20's or early 30's. Shortly thereafter the Soviet government began production of gold here (about 20 tons of gold per year!). This gold was needed to solve pressing problems of government - industry renovation, rearmament of the army, restructuring the system of governance and the development of new areas of the country. Therefore, Stalin exiled here tens of thousands of prisoners. He had used the prisoners of camps as free labor. Old buildings of the former labor camp for criminals been preserved close to this gold mine. Many Russian still believe, that the Soviet Union had won the Second World War because such a cruel policy of the country.

Now the mine is part of the American company. We lived in a residential area for the administration and for the guests, which is called "Laguna". I really felt as if I'm on an island in the ocean of snow and stones. This place is surrounded by snow-covered hills. The beauty of emptiness just hills, snow, rivers and trees hundreds of miles around.

There was very comfortable: nice rooms, cable TV, Internet, gym and helpful staff. I do not know about the living conditions for the workers.

The administration of the company was very helpful to us. We got special clothes and the ability to shoot almost everywhere.

Extent of gold mining is very impressive. The company employs workers from all over Russia. Several times we ate together with them in the common dining room. So I had the opportunity see their faces well.

Workers use a special Japanese machines for ore extraction and transportation.

It is difficult to imagine how the prisoners worked here before. Very difficult working conditions. Winter temperature is up to minus 50°С.

Everything here was enormous: distances, machines and even people. As a whole it was all like the moon's surface. As if people extract minerals on the surface of the moon or another planet.