Introduction Holding 7 per cent of the total world’s minerals and proven reserves of metallic and non-metallic deposits estimated at 55 billion tons, Iran is the world’s 15th most mineral-rich country. Over the last 10-12 years, as part of the plan to diversify from petroleum exportation, this industry has seen heavy investments and increased attention, leading to exponential growth and improvement in the sector. On this page, you will find some information regarding the Mining Industry and its job market in Iran to gain a better understanding about Mine Engineers currently working in the country.
The Market in Iran The Mining industry in Iran, as a whole, is regulated by Iran’s Constitution and Mining Code. Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO), with8 major companies and 55 operational subsidiaries active in steel, aluminum, copper, cement and mineral exploitation fields, is a state-owned holding responsible for policymaking in mining, implementing these policies, and royalty fees.
With over 114,000 employees working directly in one of Iran’s approximately 6,000 active mines and over 60,000 employees working at mid-stream and downstream-relevant manufacturing establishments. Recent reports indicate that approximately 46% of total active mining sites in Iran are Located in the provinces of Khorasan Razavi, Fars, Kerman, Esfahan, East Azerbaijan, Markazi, and Yazd, employing around 70% of the work force. The most important mines in Iran include coal, metallic minerals, sand and gravel, chemical minerals, gold, and salt.
Generally speaking, the mining industry has one of the toughest and most demanding job markets in Iran; a fact that’s been further amplified by the recent governmental focus on mining. This has created a highly competitive atmosphere in the market, leading to a considerable increase in the capabilities and knowledge of the candidates.
Notable Mining Sites in Iran
- Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine
Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex is a large open cast copper mine in the Kerman Province of Iran, considered to be the second largest copper deposit worldwide. Also containing substantial amounts of molybdenum, gold and other rare metals. - Sungun Copper Mine
The Sungun copper mine is located in Varzaqan county, East Azarbaijan, Iran, 75 km north west of the provincial town of Ahar. It is the most important geologic and industrial feature in the area and is the largest open-cast copper mine in Iran. - Miduk copper mine
The Meiduk porphyry copper deposit is positioned in the Shahr-Babak area in Kerman province, Iran. - Pabdana Coal Mine
Pabdana coal mine is located 65 km north of Zarand city in the Kerman Province, of Iran. - Choghart Iron Mine
Choghart iron deposit is located in central Iran and 12 km north east of Bafgh, 130 km southeast of Yazd city. The dominant host rock in this area is the complex of intermediate-acidic igneous infiltrations and Mafic dykes, which have been highly altered in some parts and are known as metasomatisms. - Chadormalu Iron Ore Processing Plant
Chadormalu is an iron ore mine in the Yazd Province of central Iran with an adjacent settlement and administration complex belonging to Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company. - Gol-e Gohar Mining Zone
Gol-e Gohar Mining Zone With its rich iron ore mines as one of the most prominent active miningpoles in the Middle East, it has the potential to become a large and competitive area in Iran and even worldwide. These mineral deposits are located in Kerman province, 50 km southwest of Sirjan city. - Zarehshuran Gold Mine
Zarshouran, located 35 kilometers from Takab in the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan is Iran and Middle East’s richest gold deposit. It holds 108 tons of proven reserves, in addition to 50tons of silver. - Nishapur turquoise mines
Nishapur Turquoise Mine is considered the oldest turquoise mine in the world. The mine is the largest turquoise mine in terms of production, as well as the oldest active mine in the world. The mine has been active for 7,000 years and has been regularly extracted.
Notable Universities Best Universities in Iran for Mining Engineering:
- Tarbiat Modares University, College of Engineering
- Isfahan University of Technology
- Islamic Azad University (All Branches)
- University of Tehran, College of Engineering
- Shahid Bahonar university of Kerman.
Specializations routes
- Mineral processing
- Mining exploration
- Mining engineering
- Rock mechanics
- Tunnels and underground spaces
- Mining engineering majoring in mining and environment
Obtainable Certificates Unfortunately, due to sanctions on Iran, certificates issued in Iran are not internationally recognized. However, there are many institutions operating under the direct Iranian Mining Engineering Organization (IMEO) issuing nationwide accepted and recognizable certificates. Furthermore, a considerable number of employees in this sector obtain international certificates by going through courses in neighboring countries.
Some Notable Companies
- Golgohar Sirjan Mining and Industrial Company
- Chadormalu Mining and Industrial Company
- Sangan Steel Industrial Company
- Opal Kani Pars Processing Company
- Ehya Sepahan Industrial and Mining Incorporation
- Mahan Sirjan CO
- Iranian Butia Steel Company
- Oil Exploration Operations Company