Major Iranian lead and zinc producers extracted 655,850 tons of the ores during the first eight months of the current Iranian year (March 20-Nov. 20), down 1% compared with the same period of last year.
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 ores’ total output with 618,625 tons, similar to the same period of last year, while Nakhlak Lead and Zinc Plant accounted for 37,225 tons of the total output, indicating a 20% decrease year-on-year.
The output of lead and zinc amounted to 71,602 tons for the month ending Nov. 20, down 9% compared with the eighth month of the previous fiscal year. Angouran Lead and Zinc Complex and Nakhlak Lead and Zinc Plant extracted 67,695 tons of ores during the month, indicating an 8% decline YOY.
The two producers extracted a total of 977,343 tons of ores in the last fiscal year that ended on March 19, 2020.
Based on the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade’s plans, after the zinc deposits of Angouran Mine run out, Mehdiabad Mine will become the main supplier of lead and zinc to domestic industries.
Zinc is used in the alloys of brass, nickel, silver and aluminum, and also for 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.
