Tehran, Iran, July 15
Trend:
More than $3.5 billion has been invested in 27 mine and mineral projects in Iran, and the government is anticipating serious industry reforms, said Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, Trend reports citing ILNA.
"Launching reforms in mineral industry across the country is on the agenda, within which 27 mega projects in mine and mineral industries are implemented. They include investments of $1.2 billion in South Aluminum Company, which shall be operational in current Iranian year [started March 21, 2109]," said Reza Rahmani.
"Considering high production capacity of mine and mineral industries in North Khorasan Province, Jajarm Aluminum plant, which will produce 40,000 tons of aluminum bar in its first phase, has been put into operation," he said during the launching ceremony.
"It is the only alumina producer in the country and it will supply 30 percent of country's need. A total of $3.3 billion has been invested in Jajarm Aluminum plant, which has created 400 direct and 1,600 indirect jobs," he added.
The official emphasized that the operation of Jajarm Aluminum plant is the start of reforms in the mineral industry. "The first phase includes exploration, and Iranian Mines & Mining Industries Development & Renovation (IMIDRO) plans to srart exploration in the area of 300,000 square kilometers," he said.
"Small mines in disadvantaged provinces will be activated, while 10 small mines have started working in North Khorasan province with the government support. One of the priorities is to invest the profits of mine development projects in infrastructures at poor regions," he added.