Iran (IMNA) - During the first international and 28th national conference of the Iranian Geological Society held in Zanjan, experts revealed that Iran holds approximately 30 billion tons of copper reserves, placing it among the top five to six countries worldwide. Further exploration is expected to raise this figure to as much as 100 billion tons, signaling enormous potential for future growth.
The government and the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO) are investing heavily in expanding production and refining capacities. Massive projects at Sarcheshmeh, Miduk, Sungun, and Chehel Kureh mines are underway, aimed at significantly boosting output in the coming years. These initiatives are designed to increase Iran’s role in the international copper supply chain and strengthen export capabilities.
Under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan, authorities target an annual cathode production capacity of 700,000 tons, enabling the country to meet growing domestic demand and enhance its export volume. The strategy aligns with global trends, as demand for copper — essential for construction, electronics, renewable energy, and industrial applications — is projected to rise by nearly 6 percent by 2030.
To ensure competitiveness, Iran is embracing modern technologies and sustainable practices, including advanced leaching methods, optimized energy use, and environmentally responsible processing. These green initiatives aim to boost efficiency and align the country’s mining operations with international sustainability standards.
Partnerships with Chinese companies and other international collaborators are also being pursued to facilitate technology transfer, joint investment, and expertise sharing — steps seen as vital to modernizing Iran’s copper industry and enhancing global competitiveness.
Iran’s major copper mines — Sarcheshmeh in Kerman, Sungun near Tabriz, Miduk in Kerman, and Chehel Kureh in Sistan and Baluchistan — serve as the backbone of this growth. Sarcheshmeh remains the largest and a key symbol of national mining capability, while Sungun plays a strategic role in the industrial development of northwestern Iran. Numerous smaller operations across Yazd, South Khorasan, Fars, and Kerman provinces further support local employment and regional development.
Beyond extraction, the copper industry contributes significantly to job creation, export revenue, and infrastructure development. The metal supports downstream industries such as cable manufacturing, electronics, and industrial equipment, while mining projects foster regional growth through investment in roads, utilities, and services.
Recent expansions — including new concentration and smelting plants in Sungun and upgraded processing units in Miduk — reflect Iran’s shift toward added value and reduced raw exports. These projects highlight a broader national push toward industrial modernization and sustainability.
With more than 30 million tons of confirmed reserves and a growing network of advanced production facilities, Iran is poised to remain a leading copper producer in both the regional and global markets.
By combining large-scale operations with emerging green technologies and international partnerships, Iran is not only securing its position as a copper powerhouse but also driving industrialization and economic diversification across the country.
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