Tkibuli

a city (since 1939) under the jurisdiction of the Georgian SSR. Located on the southwestern slopes of Racha Range. Connected by a branch line with the Rioni railroad station (via the city of Kutaisi) on the Samtredia-Tbilisi line. Population, 23,400 (1975).

Coal is mined near Tkibuli, and the city has an ore-dressing plant, which supplies the Rustavi Metallurgical Plant with coking-coal concentrates. Local industries include tea processing and meat-packing, and the city has enterprises for the production of lumber and building materials. The Tkibuli and Shaorskaia hydroelectric power plants are located near Tkibuli.