Addressing the opening ceremony of a project to molybdenum extraction unit of Songon Copper Complex, East Azarbaijan, he added that Iran’s total reserves stand at 55 billion tons worth $770 billion.

Stating that Iran boasts of 43 copper mines in 13 provinces, he added that Iran Copper Industries Company has undertaken various projects to develop the industry.

Some 90 percent of Iran’s copper mines are operated by the private and cooperative sectors, he said.

The minister further noted that some 40 million tons of copper stones were produced in Iran in 2011 (ending on March 19) and the figure will reach 44 million tons this year (starting on March 20).

8072**1412