Aykhal
# Aykhal

Aykhal (Russian: Айха́л; Yakut: Айхал, Ayxal) is an urban locality (an urban-type settlement) in Mirninsky District of the Sakha Republic, Russia, located 469 kilometers (291 mi) from Mirny, the administrative center of the district, in the basin of the Vilyuy River. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 13,727.

## Etymology

The name derives from the Yakut word for fame.

## Geography

Sokhsolookh stream is located in the Aykhal's vicinity. The name of the stream in the Yakut language means the river of death or the river of traps, in reference to a large number of reindeer who, according to local legend, have drowned while trying to cross the river ice.

## History

It was founded in 1961 with the beginnings of diamond extraction from the kimberlite pipe found here. It was granted urban-type settlement status in the following year. In 1985, Yubileynaya diamond mine was opened 20 kilometers (12 mi) from Aykhal.

## Administrative and municipal status

Within the framework of administrative divisions, the urban-type settlement of Aykhal, together with one rural locality (the selo of Morkoka), is incorporated within Mirninsky District as the Settlement of Aykhal. As a municipal division, the Settlement of Aykhal is incorporated within Mirninsky Municipal District as Aykhal Urban Settlement.

## Economy and infrastructure

The local economy is reliant on diamond mining conducted by ALROSA at its Aykhal and Yubileynaya mines. It is served by the Aykhal Airport.

