Iran does not throw any hurdles in the way of foreign companies making investment in mineral exploration and welcomes their business initiatives in this field, IRNA quoted Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh as saying on Monday. Iran boasts 68 types of minerals, with more than 37 million tons of proven and 57 billion tons of potential reserves. According to the United States Geological Survey, Iran holds the world’s largest zinc, ninth largest copper, 12th largest iron ore and 10th largest uranium reserves. Overall, the country is home to more than 7% of global mineral reserves.
