Lead-Zinc Mine Goes on Stream

After months of being taken over by a private consortium, Iran’s largest lead and zinc mine finally started operation on Tuesday, Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization reported.

Located in Yazd Province, Mehdiabad Mine is a world-class oxide, sulfide and mixed oxide/sulfide zinc, lead and silver deposit. It has 154 million tons of proven and up to 400 million tons of estimated reserves, 70% of which are zinc and the rest are lead, silver and barite.

According to IMIDRO, the mine’s reserves can reach 700 million tons through further explorations.

A consortium made up of Iran Lead and Zinc Industries and Mining Association and six private companies, including Mobin Mining and Construction Company, won the rights to develop the mine in a $1 billion deal signed with IMIDRO back in March.

The consortium is going to operate the mine for the next 25 years. It is expected to establish two plants producing zinc, as well as lead and silver concentrate, with an annual output capacity of 800,000 and 80,000 tons respectively in four years.

Mehdiabad Mine is of utmost importance to the Iranian lead and zinc industry, as it is the country’s only major source of the minerals.