Major Copper Mines in Iran
Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine
This large mine has reserves amounting to 1.2 billion tons. The copper extracted from Sarcheshmeh is mined using an open-pit method and then transported to crushing plants for impurity separation. The output of this mine is not limited to copper; valuable materials such as molybdenum and gold are also obtained from it. Located 160 kilometers southwest of Kerman, Sarcheshmeh is the largest producer of copper in Iran and is considered one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world as well as the largest in the Middle East.
Sungun Copper Mine
The Sungun mine in Varzaqan is another one of Iran’s largest copper mines, with over one billion tons of copper ore reserves. According to data, 796 million tons of copper from this mine are extractable, with accompanying elements including molybdenum, gold, silver, rhenium, and more. Mining activities in Sungun date back two centuries (Qajar period).
Miduk Copper Mine
The Miduk Copper Mine, located 132 kilometers northwest of Sarcheshmeh, is one of Iran’s largest copper mines. The old name of this mine was Lachah, which was changed due to its proximity to the village of Miduk. The estimated copper reserve at this large mine is around 170 million tons, with 144 million tons deemed extractable.
Qaleh Zari Copper Mine
Located 180 kilometers south of Birjand, the Qaleh Zari mine has been operational for the past 70 years. The initial estimated reserve of copper at Qaleh Zari was approximately 500 thousand tons; however, today the extraction has reached 3.5 million tons, with many valuable reserves still remaining intact within the mine.