Kiviõlis

Kiviõli is a town in Ida-Viru County, Estonia. It is located approximately 145 kilometers east of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Kiviõli is situated in the northeastern part of the country, near the coast of the Baltic Sea.

The town's history is closely tied to the development of oil shale mining and processing in Estonia. Kiviõli was established in 1922 as a settlement for workers in the oil shale industry. The name "Kiviõli" itself translates to "stone oil" in Estonian, reflecting its industrial origins. The Kiviõli Oil Shale Processing Plant, established in the 1920s, was a significant industrial complex that shaped the town's development and population growth.

In addition to its industrial past, Kiviõli is also known for its distinctive landscape shaped by mining activities, including large heaps of waste rock. The town has been actively involved in efforts to redevelop and remediate these areas, transforming some of the industrial sites into recreational spaces. For example, the Kiviõli Adventure Centre, built on a former mine dump, offers activities like skiing and mountain biking.

Kiviõli is part of the broader Ida-Viru County, which is known for its industrial heritage and diverse natural landscapes. The town serves as a local administrative center and a residential area for its inhabitants. Its economy has historically been driven by industry, though efforts are underway to diversify and promote other sectors.