Gold Reserves Discovered in Iran’s SE

Gold reserves have been discovered in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province, says Ali Asgharzadeh, the head of Mineral Explorations Department at Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization. The reserves are located to the east of Taftan, the province’s active volcano. “IMIDRO has also discovered potential gold reserves in Isfahan and South Khorasan provinces,” the official added, noting that the government plans to develop these mineral deposits in cooperation with the private sector. According to Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Iran’s annual 2.5-ton gold output accounts for 1.5% of the world’s total gold production, IMIDRO reported on its website. Zarshouran, in the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan, is Iran’s as well as the Middle East’s richest gold deposit, holding 108 tons of proven reserves.