TEHRAN, Iran, June 28. Iran is planning to invest in the development of Afghanistan mines, the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza Mohtashmi Pour told Trend.
"An Iranian consortium has participated in the tender for iron ore mines in Afghanistan and intends to invest in mine development," he said.
He indicated that Iranian companies can invest in Afghanistan's small-scale mines.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that based on observation of visiting Iranian delegations, Afghanistan is not ready to activate large-scale mines.
Mohtashmi Pour went on to say that small-scale mines can operate by road construction equipment but large mines need specific equipment and underground explorations and Afghanistan does not have the experience for the development of large-scale mines.
According to the official, Iran has submitted its suggestions for the development of mines to Afghanistan, and the two sides have ongoing meetings and negotiations to pursue cooperation.