Copper is one of the crucial and widely used metals in both industry and human life, and Iran possesses significant reserves of it. According to the statistics from the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Organization of the country, with over 36 million tons of copper reserves, Iran ranks seventh in the world.
Most copper mines in Iran are located in the southeastern and northwestern regions of the country. These regions include provinces such as Kerman, Yazd, Isfahan, East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan.
Some of the most important copper mines in Iran include:
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- Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine: Located in Kerman province, it is the largest copper mine in the Middle East and the second-largest in the world, with over 1 billion tons of high-grade copper reserves. This mine is managed by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company, producing cathodes, anodes, copper sulfate, copper concentrate, and gold.
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- Sangun Copper Mine: Situated in East Azerbaijan province, it is one of the largest copper mines in Iran and the world, with over 800 million tons of copper reserves at average grades. This mine is managed by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company, producing copper concentrate and molybdenum.
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Ghaleh-Zari Copper Mine: Located in Razavi Khorasan province, it is one of the oldest copper mines in Iran, with over 100 million tons of copper reserves at average grades. Managed by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company, it produces copper concentrate and gold.
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- Midook Copper Mine: Situated in Kerman province, it is also one of the oldest copper mines in Iran, with over 170 million tons of low-grade copper reserves. Managed by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company, it produces copper cathodes and copper sulfate.
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- Ghaleh-Zari Copper Mine in North Khorasan: Ghaleh-Zari Copper Mine is located southwest of Birjand. The main vein of the mine is 2,000 meters long and 3 to 5 meters thick. The mining is currently being exploited at a depth of 300 meters, with a copper content of 2% and about 0.5 grams of gold per ton. The 24% copper concentrate of this deposit contains 17 grams of gold per ton.
Iran’s copper exports to Russia
Iran’s copper exports to Russia have been growing in recent years. According to the statistics of the Iran Trade Development Organization, in the eight months of the year 1400 (2022 AD), Iran exported over $34 million worth of copper to Russia. Copper is one of the most significant export goods from Iran to Russia, constituting a 6% share of Iran’s total exports to the country. With good trade relations between Iran and Russia, and considering Iran’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union, there is potential for expanding mutual trade and liberalizing commerce.
Some reputable companies in Iran engaged in the production and sale of copper include:
- National Iranian Copper Industries Company: The largest copper producer in the Middle East, operating four production units in Sarcheshmeh, Midook, Khatoon Abad, and Sungun. The company produces copper in various forms such as cathodes, anodes, copper sulfate, copper powder, etc.
• Zarmes Company: A leading producer of copper utensils and products in Iran, offering high-quality and aesthetically pleasing items crafted by skilled artisans. The company produces copper in the form of sheets, rods, wires, pipes, and more.
- Kama Press Company: A pioneer in the production and sale of various metal sections, including copper sheets. The company produces high-purity copper using modern technologies.
Forms for Iranian copper exports:
Copper Wire: Typically produced with a diameter of 8 millimeters, coiled on pallets during the coiling process. Pallets can be made of wood or metal and are secured with sturdy straps. To prevent corrosion and transportation damage, copper wire is covered with plastic or paper coatings.
Copper Cathode: Used as a raw material for producing copper wire or copper alloys. Copper cathodes are produced in copper sheets with a thickness of 10 to 15 millimeters and dimensions of 1000 by 1000 millimeters. They are usually sent without packaging and often bundled with metal strips. The price of copper cathodes depends on purity, alloy type, exchange rates, and market demand.
