Verkhny Ufaley
Verkhny Ufaley is a town in Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia, located on the Ufaley River about 142 kilometers northwest of Chelyabinsk. It was founded in 1761 and became a town in 1940. The population was 30,481 in 2010, and an estimate for 2023 puts it at 22,548, about 26% smaller than in 2010.
Administratively, Verkhny Ufaley forms the Town of Verkhny Ufaley and serves as the capital of Verkhneufaleysky Urban Okrug.
The town sits in a mineral-rich area with nickel and iron ore, marble, and fire clay. Its economy relies on metallurgy, with major factories such as Ufaley Metallurgical Machinery Works (UZMM) and Ufaleynickel. Ufaleynickel is the largest employer, producing about 75% of local goods.
Nearby is Lake Itkul, at an elevation of about 720 meters. Its waters are fresh and renewing each year, and the lake is a popular local destination.
Verkhny Ufaley also has a strong sports presence. The bandy club Nikelshchik plays in the Russian Bandy Supreme League, the second-highest division, and draws several thousand spectators.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:06 (CET).