In terms of having mineral resources, Iran is the first country in the Middle East and among the first 10 in the world. There are currently 5,445 operative mines in Iran. Among the various mines, iron ore is the biggest part of the mining industry with employment of 18,510 employees. The annual average growth of iron ore production in Iran is 13 percent per year, and it is higher than the average of mining sector’s growth.

China has been always the final destination for the majority of the Iranian iron ore. About 45 percent of iron ore exports are being produced from small-scale mines by the private sector.

Since the beginning of Iron ore crisis, which has been mainly caused by the China economic growth reduction, Iran seeks to facilitate domestic rules and regulations for Iranian and foreign Investors and Traders to boost the industry.

The mining industry in Iran was deprived to use technologies and new machinery due to the sanction imposed on the country during the last 15 years. 80% of mining operations in Iran are being done by the old machinery, while the industry in this sector is extremely interested in having new extraction techniques, processing machinery and equipment.