WANA (Jun 10) – As Iran seeks to reduce its reliance on oil revenues and bolster its productive sectors, gold and copper are emerging as two key strategic resources poised to play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth, boosting foreign currency reserves, and supporting industrial infrastructure.

 

Rising Strategic Importance Amid Global Volatility

In recent years, global markets for both base and precious metals have witnessed significant fluctuations. At the same time, ongoing export restrictions on sectors like steel and energy have intensified the urgency for Iran to tap into its mining potential—especially in the domains of gold and copper, two metals with both economic and strategic value.

 

International assessments place Iran among the top ten countries worldwide in terms of gold and copper reserves. These deposits are not only a powerful economic asset but are also closely tied to the country’s technological infrastructure, currency resilience, and the development of knowledge-based industries.

 

Iran’s Global Standing in Gold and Copper Reserves

According to the latest data, Iran’s proven gold reserves have surpassed 380 metric tons. The country’s eastern and northwestern provinces—particularly Sistan and Baluchestan, West Azerbaijan, and Kurdistan—continue to show high potential for new discoveries.

 

In copper, Iran holds approximately 7.5 billion tons of ore—comprising both sulfide and oxide deposits—with an average grade of 0.6 to 0.7 percent. Major mines such as Sarcheshmeh, Sungun, and Miduk are central to this sector, positioning Iran competitively on the global stage.

Copper wire. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Gold: A Financial Shield and Investment Opportunity

With currency volatility and international trade restrictions placing renewed pressure on the Iranian economy, gold has regained its traditional status as a reliable store of value.

 

Experts point to the expansion of gold mining operations and downstream industries, such as bullion production, jewelry, and decorative goods, as key strategies to increase the metal’s contribution to Iran’s non-oil revenues.

 

Additionally, the establishment of stable legal frameworks and efforts to reduce investment risks could attract both regional and international investors to exploration and processing ventures.

 

Copper: Driving Green Growth and Industrial Development

Global trends indicate that demand for copper—driven by sectors such as electrical infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy projects—will see significant growth through 2050. This presents a unique opportunity for resource-rich countries like Iran with a skilled workforce and substantial reserves.

 

By developing the full copper value chain—from concentrate and cathode production to wire and cable manufacturing—Iran could generate significant foreign exchange and strengthen its competitive edge in regional and global markets. Strategic collaboration between domestic tech firms and international partners could further support productivity, technology transfer, and energy efficiency.

 

A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth

To fully harness these strategic resources, experts propose a comprehensive development roadmap. Key actions include simplifying exploration and extraction licensing processes, creating a secure and predictable investment climate, and promoting consortium and cooperative models for small and medium-sized mines to improve efficiency.

 

Other recommended measures include revisiting export policies to prioritize value-added products, expanding target markets, and offering targeted government support for technology transfer, infrastructure development, and energy optimization in the mining sector.

 

Economic and mining analysts agree that with a science-driven approach, support for tech-based companies, and a stabilized economic environment, gold and copper can not only fulfill their traditional roles as revenue sources but also become major engines of Iran’s sustainable development in the decades ahead.