New mineral exploration in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad
(Minews) - Deputy head of the Geological Survey of Iran (GSI), Behrouz Borna said Iran currently holds 70 different types of minerals, adding that 15 new mineral species including rare-earth elements, nickel and quartz will soon be explored, ISNA report on Sunday.
The official made the remarks as part of a ceremony to inaugurate the GSI office in the southwestern province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, noting that the province has the largest sedimentary phosphate deposits in the country and can efficiently supply the raw material for producing fertilizers.
“Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province holds around 2.8 billion metric tons mineral reserves such as phosphate, copper, nitrate, celestine, and gypsum. But, the suitable infrastructure for mining activities have not yet been developed in the province,” Borna said, stressing that all components of mineral production including exploration, extraction, and processing should be developed simultaneously.
According to the official, Iran ranks sixth in the world in terms of aerial geophysical surveys. It holds 3% of the global proven mineral reserves, making it one of the top 15 major mineral-rich countries.
Publish date : Monday 20 April 2015 16:17
Story Code: 23774
Source : Financial Tribune
