Iran launches phosphate mine

Heydarpur, head of the Organization for Industry, Mines and Trade of the Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, said that the phosphate mine at Cheram has 88 million tons of reserves, the largest in the Middle East, Iran News reports.

Over $100 million will be needed for development of the mine. A refinery will process about 450,000 tons of phosphate concentrates. The Ayerma complex will produce phosphate concentrates and chemical fertilizers.

The mine is near the Ahvaz-Shiraz Highway.

Geological explorations in the area started in 1970 and concluded in 1993. CHeram is located about 160 km from Yasunj.