WANA (Nov 25) – Iran’s Vice President stated that, thanks to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and nuclear industry specialists, the country is witnessing significant advancements in its mining sector.

 

In a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Commission on Industry and Mines, Mohammad Eslami, head of the AEOI, noted that the capacity of active mines in the nuclear industry has multiplied in recent years. He added, “We now have active mines with considerable capacity, and through collaboration with the private sector, we have prioritized the extraction and processing of uranium ore and the revitalization of mines.”

 

Eslami emphasized that due to sanctions, the country is unable to procure certain raw materials for nuclear fuel. Consequently, enhancing and activating domestic mines has become a top priority for the AEOI.

 

He further explained that the annual production capacity of yellowcake has seen a substantial increase, demonstrating progress in overcoming resource limitations.

 

Addressing the parliamentary commission, Eslami remarked, “Thanks to the efforts of the AEOI, we are witnessing growth in the nation’s mining sector. Mines containing radioactive materials have been activated across the country. However, further development of this sector depends on the support of Parliament, particularly the Industry and Mines Commission.”

 

Eslami also highlighted the unveiling of the Comprehensive Strategic Document for the Nuclear Industry (Vision 2042) in 2022. This document outlines the transformative trajectory of this critical industry. According to the plan, the country aims to increase nuclear power generation capacity to 20,000 megawatts by 2042. To this end, the construction of the second and third units of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, as well as the Darkhovin plant and other facilities like Iran-Hormoz, is being actively pursued. Additionally, locations for other nuclear power plants in the northern and southern regions of the country have been identified.

 

He added that significant planning has also been undertaken to expand the applications of radiation technology, plasma technology, and the production of radiopharmaceuticals. These efforts aim to extend the benefits of AEOI technologies and nuclear advancements to society at large.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Parliamentary Commission on Industry and Mines visited the Martyr Fakhrizadeh Research Reactor, the exhibition of nuclear industry achievements, radiopharmaceutical production laboratories, and Tehran’s radiation systems at the AEOI.