Paving the Way for the Development of Iran’s Mining Industry

During a press conference, Mohammadreza Bahraman, Chairman of the Iranian Mining House, and Saleh Sepasdar, CEO of Banian Omid Company (the event organizer), outlined the exhibition’s objectives and highlighted its role in achieving the 13% growth target for the mining sector set in Iran’s Seventh Development Plan. They also emphasized the necessity of adopting advanced technologies to overcome sanctions-related challenges.

From “Mine Cup” Competition to Growing International Participation

According to organizers, this year’s Iran ConMine has witnessed remarkable enthusiasm from the industry. Saleh Sepasdar, CEO of Banian Omid and Executive Director of the exhibition, announced:

“This year we experienced a 30% increase in demand. Due to limited space, we optimized the layout and reduced the size of some large booths to make room for smaller exhibitors.”

He added that participation has already been confirmed by over 200 direct exhibitors, representing a total of around 400 companies, including subsidiaries and associated entities.

Referring to the event’s central theme, Sepasdar also unveiled a new initiative:

“The national competition ‘Mine Cup’ will be held to identify and support innovators, knowledge-based companies, and startups. The goal is to connect creative ideas with potential investors.”

One of the most notable aspects of this edition is the increase in international presence. Sepasdar highlighted that:

“Foreign participation has grown by 25% compared to last year and by 50% over the past two years — a clear sign of the sector’s resilience and the attractiveness of Iran’s mining market, despite political and economic challenges.”

Mohammadreza Bahraman added that the entire value chain of mining — from exploration to market — will be represented at the exhibition, with mining-rich provinces showcasing their achievements through dedicated pavilions.

Strategic Focus: 13% Growth and Full Value Chain Development

Emphasizing the mining sector’s designation as a “driver of the economy” in the Seventh Development Plan, Bahraman underlined the event’s importance in meeting national growth objectives.

“While the overall economic growth target in the plan is 8%, the mining sector has been assigned a 13% growth goal,” Bahraman said. “Our planning for this exhibition revolves around how to achieve that growth under current economic conditions and the pressures of sanctions (snapback).”

He defined the main objectives of Iran ConMine 2025 as capacity building and showcasing Iran’s mining potential to both domestic and international stakeholders:

“We must present the geological structure and hidden wealth of our country to the world — and this exhibition is the platform to do so.”

Bahraman also stressed that environmental responsibility is a non-negotiable aspect of modern mining:

“Mining activity without regard for environmental issues cannot be considered mining activity. Specialized panels will be held on this subject.”

With its focus on artificial intelligence and sustainable development, Iran ConMine 2025 aims to serve as a roadmap for transforming Iran from a raw material supplier into a technology-driven, globally competitive player in the mining sector.