Altai << AL ty, >> Mountains, form a lofty range that runs about 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) northwest across the borders of western Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The Altai are among the oldest mountains in Asia. They contain rich deposits of copper, gold, iron, lead, silver, and zinc. Some have pastureland and forests. The highest peak is Belukha, or White Mountain (14,783 feet, or 4,506 meters).