Lead, Zinc Extractions Exceed 580K Tons in 7 Months

Major Iranian lead and zinc producers extracted a total of 584,248 tons of ores during the first seven months of the current Iranian year (March 20-Oct. 21).
According to the latest data released by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization, Angouran Lead and Zinc Complex accounted for the highest share of the total output with 550,930 tons to register a 1% growth year-on-year, while Nakhlak Lead and Zinc Plant accounted for 33,318 tons of the total output, indicating a 19% decrease YOY.
Angouran Lead and Zinc Complex and Nakhlak Lead and Zinc Plant extracted 81,682 tons of ores during the month to Oct. 21, indicating a 7% rise YOY.
The two producers extracted an aggregate of 977,343 tons of ores in the last fiscal year that ended on March 19, 2020.
Based on plans by the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade, after the zinc deposits in Angouran Mine run out, Mehdiabad Mine is expected to become the main supplier of lead and zinc to domestic industries.
Zinc is used in alloys of brass, nickel, silver and aluminum, and also in galvanizing steel structures. The metal is widely used in the manufacture of products such as paint, rubber, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, plastic, ink, soap, batteries, textile and electrical equipment.
According to the United States Geological Survey, Iran holds the world's largest zinc, ninth largest copper, 10th largest iron ore, fifth largest gypsum and barite, and 10th largest uranium reserves.