The Tehran Times reported that the Iranian mine production capacity will reach 500 million tonnes by the end of the Fifth Development Plan (2010-2015).

Mr Masoud Samieinejad mines minister of Iran said that the ministry has proposed to increase the capacity of raw steel and cement production by the end of the Fifth Development Plan to the targets of 42 million tonnes and 110 million tonnes respectively.

He added that the ministry has also proposed that the capacity to produce aluminum and copper cathodes by the end of the Fifth Development Plan reach 910,000 tonnes and 455,000 tonnes respectively. Also, for the production of concentrated and granulated iron ore, 60 million tonnes has been envisaged.

Mr Samieinejad pointed out that as a result of the implementation of various plans investments in the mine sector in the recent years has increased tremendously.

He claimed that the share of the mine sector in the country's GDP is currently about 0.8% and added that "This figure will rise to 1.2% during the Fifth Development Plan if the Iranian Majlis (parliament) approves the ministry's plans."

(Sourced from www.tehrantimes.com)