Iran kickstarts construction of major uranium mine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Aug 2023 14:03
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Iran starts construction works on a uranium mine set to boost the country's peaceful nuclear program.

A student looks at a model of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in an exhibition of the country's nuclear achievements, in Tehran, Iran, Feb 8, 2023 (AP)

Iran has commenced the construction of a major mining complex in the northwestern region of the nation. The endeavor, lauded by Iran's nuclear chief, is poised to serve as a pivotal center for the extraction of vital raw materials indispensable for nuclear power generation.

The inauguration of the ambitious project took place in the Jang-e Sar locality within the Khoy region of the northwestern West Azerbaijan province. This landmark initiative follows the identification of significant deposits of radioactive substances and rare-earth elements in the area.

According to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) chief Mohammad Eslami said the mining complex is anticipated to wield a momentous influence in hastening the realization of Iran's nuclear power production ambitions.

Eslami told Press TV that the complex's capacity is so substantial that it could emerge as a central hub for the procurement of raw materials required for the fabrication of nuclear fuel. He affirmed that its pivotal role will be pivotal in aiding the nation's aspiration to generate a colossal 20,000 megawatts of nuclear electricity.

The spectrum of materials found in the region encompasses uranium, molybdenum, and many other prized rare-earth elements, all of which underline the importance of this development. Eslami further emphasized the vast potential of the area to supply a multitude of rare-earth elements with diverse industrial applications.

Eslami highlighted the deployment of airborne geophysical surveys in discovering potential mines, noting that the exploration campaign was initiated in 2022.

The envisioned timeline for completing this monumental project is estimated at two and a half years. The initial phase would require an investment of some $20 million.

Iran has a nuclear power plant in the southern Bushehr province that currently generates an annual output of 1,000 megawatts. However, Tehran eyes more power plants in a bid to boost its nuclear power production to 20,000 megawatts a year to try and match the growing demand for power.

This goes hand in hand with Iran's aspirations to alleviate domestic energy needs while reducing reliance on oil and gas resources for power generation, which in turn would ease environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel-powered plants.

Eslami said in June that Iran would build numerous nuclear power plants, the state-run Iranian news agency IRNA reported. The AEOI's goal is to demonstrate the role and influence of nuclear energy in people's lives, he noted.

The AEOI head admitted that producing complex nuclear technology in these challenging settings has not been easy, but stressed that young Iranian scientists have made these technologies self-sufficient.

The Iranian parliament has enacted legislation mandating the AEOI to amplify Iran's nuclear electricity production potential. This directive arises in response to the nation's mounting energy demands, which reached a peak of 73 gigawatts this summer.

In spite of the intricate challenges posed by US sanctions and other obstacles from the West, Iran has steadily advanced in its pursuit of a peaceful nuclear energy initiative. This ongoing progress underscores Iran's steadfast commitment to harnessing nuclear technology for peaceful goals.

Reportedly, according to Western claims, Iran currently has over 87 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium in its stockpiles, which, if enriched, would be enough to produce at least one nuclear bomb. However, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful.