Iran’s second-largest copper mine has reported a three-fold increase in its ore deposits as the country moves ahead with plans to develop its untapped mineral resources.

EghtesadOnline: Over 87% of Iranian mines lack standard safety, health and environmental facilities, according to an official report published by the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare.

EghtesadOnline: A host of private mining companies and related state organizations signed two memoranda of understanding on Monday for cooperation in reviving 500 troubled small- and medium-sized mines in five years, Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization reported.

EghtesadOnline: Over 29 trillion rials ($767 million) were invested in Iranian mines during the fiscal 2015-16, registering a 48% increase compared to the year before, the Statistical Center of Iran’s latest report shows.

EghtesadOnline: KhorasanRazavi mines includes more than 15 types of gemstones such as garnet, types of agates, turquoise, types of quartz, types of jasper, aquamarine and types of ruby.

EghtesadOnline: The Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade is considering the introduction of new contracts similar to Iran’s new oil deals for handing over Iranian mines to foreign investors for modernization and development.

EghtesadOnline: New gold, iron ore and molybdenum veins have been discovered in Qizil Uzan mineral zone located in the northwestern Ardebil Province, an official with the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization announced.

EghtesadOnline: A mine situated on the outskirts of Mount Sabalan in Ardebil Province holds the largest agate reserve in the world.