Mine 2007/05/05 Irandaily-Managing director of Minerals...

Mine
2007/05/05


Irandaily-Managing director of Minerals Procurement and Production Company said that latest estimates indicate that Iran has 50 billion tons of different kinds of minerals.
Ardeshir Saadmohammadi told Fars on Friday that 67 minerals have been identified throughout the country and the total mineral reserves currently stand at more than 50 billion tons.
Commenting on ceding Iranian mines to foreign companies within framework of buyback contracts, Saadmohammadi further noted that the shares of no Iranian company have yet been transferred. �There is no problem in legal terms with regard to presence of foreign investors in the mining sector and we support their participation,� he added.
Saadmohammadi contended that the only precondition for investment is that foreign companies should have sincere participation and act quickly and seriously.
Noting that foreign companies will take part in Iranian projects as financiers of major mineral projects, the official further said that construction of factories is taking place through foreign finance and credits.
�For example, in Zarand industrial, Kerman province, coke project will make Iran self-sufficient in the field and Chinese companies are financing the project,� Saadmohammadi added.
He elaborated that Spanish businessmen are collaborating with Iranians in Jalalabad iron ore project that has the capacity to produce three million tons of iron ore per year.
�Tabas coal project is also a joint venture with the Italians. Italian companies train our personnel and bring in the technology. This is while cooperation with foreign firms has never been conducted on buyback contract,� he added.
He further noted that more than 4,000 mines are being exploited in the country.