Birjand, South Khorasan Prov., Dec 25, IRNA � Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade said two million tons of coal will be extracted in�Tabas by the yearend (March 20), predicting that annual coal extraction in the region to amount to four to five million tons.
Mohamamd Reza Nematzadeh said the public sector will cooperate with the private sector in this regard and noted that efforts are being made to complete exploration studies on borders of South Khorasan Province by the end of the year.
He said the exploration plan in South Khorasan can prepare the ground for the investment of the private sector in such areas as as iron, gold, copper, zinc and lead.

Stressing that the region is predicted to have a suitable amount of reserves, he said such plans can be implemented through joint investment in the neighboring countries in order to develop economic relations with the neighbors.

Referring to the demands of Afghanistan in different fields, Nematzadeh said South Khorasan together with other eastern provinces can address demands of that country through joint investment.

Meanwhile, the minister inspected Qayen cement factory and steel project on Wednesday.

Qayen Steel Complex situated 35 km on Qayen-Gonabad road on the suburbs of Nimbolok city is under construction in an area of 170 hectares with the operation of which demand for one million tons of steel in the country will be met. Also, with the operation of the complex 1200 direct and 12 thousand indirect job opportunities will be created.

In another development, participating in a ceremony for the operation of magnesium ingot factory in the provincial city of Ferdos, Nematzadeh said operation of the complex will save $18 million in forex annually.

Terming the commissioning of the industrial unit as highly valuable, the minister said magnesium ingot is used in plane and auto manufacturing industries.

By IRNA

 

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