Ukraine recreates famous lost salt mine in Minecraft 'to tell the world about their history and struggle for freedom'

GamesSurvival & CraftingMinecraftUkraine recreates famous lost salt mine in Minecraft ‘to tell the world about their history and struggle for freedom’When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: United24)

Minesalt trailer still - exterior view of Soledar salt mine in Minecraft

As part of Ukraine’s ongoing effort to combat Russian disinformation and memorialize its own history, the United24 charity has teamed up with Minecraft creatorEndorahforMinesalt, a recreation of 16 real-world locations from the town of Soledar, at one time home to the largest salt production facility in Europe.

Soledar salt mines are now in #Minecraft!Together with @EndorahCreation, we present #Minesalt, a Minecraft-based game that recreates Soledar’s salt mines.16 locations and 500 km of tunnels, alongside a unique lore and 140 collectible crystals👇https://t.co/gtT4OPOoE8 pic.twitter.com/fPU7e0GlJBMarch 21, 2024

“As the city is under temporary occupation, Minesalt is the only way to explore the incredible beauty of these salt mines and commemorate the historical and monumental elements of this place,” United24 coordinator Yaroslava Gres said. “It preserves its memory, paying tribute to the people who have worked there generation after generation.”

Because access to Soledar’s archives were also lost to the invasion, the Minesalt team interviewed miners and “made new archives from their memories, personal photos, and videos” in order to assist with development. They also enlisted the help of Stepan Bandrivskyi, a 10-year veteran of the Soledar salt mines, to ensure the Minecraft recreations are as accurate as possible.

I’ve never been there myself, but based on the comparison photos I’d say they came pretty close to the mark.

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(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

(Image credit: Microsoft/United 24)

Minesalt screenshot - a recreation of the Soledar salit mines in Minecraft

The trip through the Soledar salt mines will include interactions with “famous Ukrainians and world celebrities” including Richard Branson, Misha Collins, Scott Kelly, and Katheryn Winnick, who will reveal more about the history of the town and its famous mines.

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(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))(Image credit: United24 (Twitter))