Mining — Key Sector Highlights

• GDP contribution: 2.2%
• Total mines: 7,799 (6,451 operational)
• Total mineral output: 535.3 million tonnes annually
• Mining revenue: USD 9.7 billion
• Global mineral reserve share: 7% of world reserves
• Strategic minerals: Copper, Iron ore, Zinc
• Investment focus: Exploration, processing, and downstream mineral industries

Sector Overview
Iran’s mining sector represents a strategic pillar of the national economy and a key driver of industrial development and value creation. In the fiscal year ended March 2025, the sector accounted for approximately 2.2% of GDP, supported by 7,799 registered mines, including 6,451 operational sites. Total mineral output reached 535.3 million tonnes, generating approximately USD 9.7 billion in mining revenue. Mineral-product exports amounted to 29.5 million tonnes valued at USD 2.2 billion, highlighting the sector’s critical role in supporting industrial production, export capacity, and long-term economic development.

Resource Base and Competitive Advantages
Iran is globally recognized as one of the world’s top 15 mineral-rich countries, holding approximately 7% of total global mineral reserves, estimated at USD 27.3 trillion. The country hosts more than 81 identified mineral types and benefits from exceptional geological diversity across mineral-bearing regions. Iran possesses globally significant reserves of strategic minerals, including copper, zinc, and iron ore, providing strong foundations for upstream extraction, downstream processing, and integrated industrial value chains. This extensive resource base positions Iran as a major regional mining hub with substantial long-term development potential.

Development Framework and Sector Modernization
The mining sector is a priority under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan, which focuses on expanding production capacity, strengthening value chains, and improving sector efficiency. Strategic initiatives include accelerating exploration activities, completing mineral processing chains, improving licensing procedures, expanding geological data accessibility, and enhancing transport infrastructure. These measures aim to increase productivity, reduce operational barriers, and support the transition toward higher value-added mineral production and industrial integration.

Investment Environment and Strategic Position
Iran provides a structured and supportive investment environment for mining activities, supported by established regulatory frameworks, investment protection mechanisms, and sector-specific incentives. The country’s strategic geographic location enables efficient access to regional and international markets, strengthening export competitiveness. Combined with extensive mineral reserves, established mining operations, and national development priorities, Iran offers a stable and scalable platform for mining investment and industrial cooperation.

Investment Opportunities
Iran’s mining sector offers significant investment potential across the full mineral value chain, including exploration, extraction, mineral processing, and downstream industrial development. Key opportunity areas include development of strategic mineral resources, expansion of beneficiation and processing capacity, modernization of mining infrastructure, and participation in integrated mining and industrial projects. Supported by strong resource availability and national development priorities, the sector provides a robust platform for long-term investment, industrial partnerships, and sustainable value creation.

Iran Mining Sector Guide

Competitiveness of Mining Sector in Iran