Largest Mideast gold plant put into operation

Takaab, W Azarbaijan Prov., Nov 15, IRNA – First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri inaugurated the largest gold plant in the Middle East in Zareh Shuran of Takaab in West Azarbaijan Province on Saturday. It has been predicted that with the operation of the first phase of Zareh Shuran gold plant annually three tons of pure gold will be obtained and in addition 1.250 tons of silver and 500 kg of mercury will be produced as well. With the operation of the plant the gold bullion production capacity in the country will be doubled and reach 5.5 tons. Through implementation of the project for development of Zareh Shuran gold plant in a near future its gold production capacity will increase to annually six tons, silver to 2.5 tons and mercury to 1.5 tons. The plant is the first local large-scale plant in its kind in the world with a unique gold production method which has been invented and registered by an Iranian company. Some 834 billion rials and 15.2 million euros have been invested on the plant which has provided job opportunities for 250 to 300 workers directly and for 1000 others indirectly. Zareh Shuran gold mine is situated 35 km from Takaab, 15 km from the world ancient monument Takht-e Soleyman. Gold ore reserves of Zareh Shuran mine are estimated at 20 million tons with an average karat of 5.5 gram per ton which is considered one of the most valuable known mines in the country. The first vice-president in his one-day visit to West Azarbaijan province will also inaugurate a number of industrial projects./end