In the 1930s, geologists from the Soviet Union found abundant rare metals in the sediment of the middle and lower reaches of the Irtysh River. They inferred that a rare metal ore deposit might exist on the upper reach, which is located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The mining in Keketuohai started from here. In the No. 3 mine pit of Keketuohai, there are 80 kinds of minerals, and one-third of them are rare metals. 

Breath of the wild

Located on the southern slope of the Altai Mountains, Fuyun County in the Altay Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is the cradle of diverse geological wonders and abundant wildlife. In this series, CGTN Nature film crew takes you on an exciting adventure into places that only a few people know.

Read more:

Siberian ibex: The mountain elves that dance on steep cliffs

Lakes formed by earthquake in Xinjiang's Altay Region

Meet the only beaver species in China, cute and intelligent

The Irtysh Grand Canyon: Earth's ridgy veins

Aerial view of Keketuohai Geopark in NW China

Dragon's blood sedum: Crimson leaves in snow-covered ore mine

A wild snow mountain in Altay Region, NW China's Xinjiang

China's Yosemite | Keketuohai Geopark

Herbane: A poisonous plant used as an anesthetic

(All photos and video provided by CGTN Nature film crew. Video edited by CGTN's Zhao Ying)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)