Mining in Nature Reserve Gets the Nod

The Ministry of Industries has recently issued a permit for mining activity in Muteh Wildlife Refuge in Isfahan Province despite objection by the Department of Environment. 
The head of the provincial DOE office Rahman Daniali told reporters that the department is totally against any mineral extractions within the protected area. 
"Operating a mine in the area has been a matter of discussion for years and the DOE has objected to it from the outset," he was quoted as saying by ILNA. 
He expressed regret that the permit has been granted without a letter of notification to the DOE.