
This image here is from the frozen tundra of Siberia. This is the Mir mine which was the first and largest diamond mine founded by the former Soviet Union. To date, this mine remains one of the largest man-made mines in the world. The first ever diamond-bearing deposits were discovered in 1955. The lead geologist, Yuri Khabardin, was awarded the Lenin Prize, the highest award in the Soviet Union. In the past, when this mine was active it produced 10,000,000 carats per year.