East Azerbaijan has the largest share of mineral reserves among Iranian provinces, said Habib Aminzade, chairman of the Industry, Mining and Trade Organization of this northwestern province of Iran.
“The mineral resources of East Azerbaijan are 8.5 billion tons. 31 of 57 types of minerals identified in the country have been discovered here. In Sarabi, Kaleibari and Azarshahri, there are 13 copper mines, eight gold, seven iron ore and three nepheline mines, ”he added.
“735 mines have been identified in the province, 400 of which employ 12,612 workers. East Azerbaijan ranks second in terms of employment in the country, ”IRNA quotes him.
It is noteworthy that there are 30 steel-producing enterprises in East Azerbaijan, and the annual steel export exceeds $ 100 million.
