“Nakhlak Plant started operating since the fiscal 1957-58 next to Nakhlak mine, but it was later closed. Since the beginning of the fiscal 2013-14, the reopening of the plant was put on the agenda with the collaboration of the private sector and Iran Minerals Production and Supply Company. Today it was reopened officially,” Mehdi Karbasian also told IRNA.
The plant is located in Isfahan Province’s Naeen City.
Karbasian, who doubles as chairman of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization, said the mine is over 2,000 years old and the reserves are located at a depth of 250 meters, Financial Tribune reported.
The official noted that the official reopening of the plant has created jobs for 130 people, adding that the total job creation capacity of the plant is closer to 300 people.
The plant started its trial operation months ago with a production capacity of 200 tons per month.
According to Karbasian, the plant has tripled the capacity to 600 tons per month.
IMIDRO's latest statistics show major Iranian lead and zinc producers extracted 497,749 tons of ores during the first four months of the current fiscal year (March 21-July 22) to register an 84% rise compared to last year’s similar period.
Angouran Lead and Zinc Complex accounted for 477,242 tons and Nakhlak Lead and Zinc Plant for 20,408 tons of the total, growing 83% and 110% respectively year-on-year.
The two producers extracted an aggregate of 928,932 tons of ore during the last fiscal year (March 2017-18).