Iran among top ten mineral-rich countries

Iran is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of diversity of minerals, said deputy minister of industries and mines.

Referring to the significance of mines and mineral industries in Iran's economy, Mohammad Masoud Samieinejad added that Iran is one of the most important mineral producing countries in the world holding some 68 types of minerals, 37 billion tons of proven reserves and more than 57 billion tons of potential reservoirs.

The share of the mining sector and mineral industries has increased to over five percent in the domestic gross product and also provides 30 percent of the country's employment.

Some 30 percent of the country's investment has been made in the field, he said, noting that 45 percent of the bourse market belongs to the mineral industries.

The sector also accounts for 30 percent of the country's exports, said Samieinejad.

The official added that the goals of Fourth Development Plan (2005-2010) have been realized materialized by 107, 110, 116 percents from 2005 to 2007 respectively.

Currently, there are 5,019 mines which are active, inactive or in the state of being equipped and the rate of extraction from these mines stood at 217.5 million tons last year, he noted.

Some 96,429 people are presently engaged in the mines sector, the deputy minister said, putting the number of mineral industries units operating at 17,000./end