Iran possesses 10 world class mines

Tehran, Nov 18, IRNA - Head of Iran’s Geology and Mineral Exploration Organization Mohammad Taqi Koreie says Iran possesses 10 world class iron ore, lead and zinc, and gold mines. Speaking at a local gathering, the official said based on papers and documents available mining activities in Iran date back to over five thousand years ago and in terms of mining resources and production Iran stands in the 10th and 15th places among world countries respectively. Rejecting comparisons between oil and mine as a mistake, Koreie said growth of mining activities will entail extensive developments in areas where mines are active and as an example reference can be made to Sarcheshmeh copper mine in Kerman Province. He referred to the operation of the mining-industrial gold complex in Zareh Shuran, Takaab, West Azarbaijan Province Saturday and said the production capacity of the complex in the first stage is 3 tons annually. Koreie further remarked that based on 2 to 2.5 tons of gold which are obtained from other mines plans should be made for the annual gold production of 10 tons. Zareh Shuran gold mine is situated 35 km from Takaab in West Azarbaijan Province, 15 km from the world ancient monument of Takht-e Soleyman. Gold ore reserves of Zareh Shuran mine are estimated at 20 million tons with an average karat of 5.5 gram per ton which is considered as one of the most valuable known mines in the country. The official put the annual gold production in the world at 250 tons and given Iran’s possession of one percent of the dried land in the world, it is expected that annual gold production in the country will reach 25 tons. /end