The Kalimashi 2 mine is a large mine located near the village Kalimash in northern Albania in Kukës County, 80 kilometres (50 mi) north-east of the capital, Tirana.[1] Kalimashi 2 represents one of the largest chromium reserve in Albania and one of the largest in Europe having estimated reserves of 0.4 million tonnes of ore grading 20% chromium metal.[2] The mine is part of the Kukës Massif, a 108 square kilometres (42 sq mi) area which has a rock thickness between 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) and 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) and contains 54 verified chromium deposits and occurrences.[2] The deposit has been explored to depths of up to 300 metres (980 ft) and the geological reserves amount to 6.8 million tonnes grading 21.4% chromium metal.[2]
.jpg) Production at the mine in 2019 | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
.svg)  Kalimashi 2 mine Location in Albania | |
| Location | Kalimash |
| County | Kukës County |
| Country | Albania |
| Coordinates | 42°03′29″N 20°18′00″E / 42.058°N 20.300°E |
| Production | |
| Products | Chromium |
| History | |
| Opened | 1978 |
The Kalimashi 2 mine began operating in 1978. The total combined chromium ore production from the mine between 1986 and 1998 amounted to 180,000 tonnes.[2] The deepest level of the mine is the + 600 Level which reaches a depth of 300 metres (980 ft). The chromium ore reserves of the mine are split into two categories above and below + 600 Level. The proven ore reserves located above the + 600 Level amount to 400,000 tonnes of ore grading 20% chromium metal.[2] The proven ore reserves located below the + 600 Level are currently not estimated or calculated but are expected to be grading over 30% chromium metal.[2] The mine's total reserves amount to 0.4 million tonnes of ore grading 20% chromium metal.[2] The chromium ore exploitation complex is located completely underground and has been shut down since 2000 due to financial difficulties.