Exploration operations are underway in Sangan Mineral Zone, located in the northwestern Khorasan Razavi Province, says deputy head of Geological Survey of Iran, Behrouz Borna, adding that gold, copper, lead, zinc and iron ore as well as rare earths are among minerals discovered in the zone so far. According to the official, the 12,000-square-kilometer zone has been divided into 75 smaller zones to facilitate exploration. Borna noted that the government intends to put these zones out to tender for the engagement of private sector, ISNA reported.
