Story views: 2
Iran's mineral resources alone cannot guarantee investment, says iron ore association secretary Saeed Askarzadeh. Investors also need confidence that projects can create value in a stable business environment.
He distinguished mining's inherent geological risks from the additional uncertainty created by frequent legal changes, unstable regulations, changing royalties and a lack of long-term planning.
Askarzadeh also criticised restrictions on access to production inputs, particularly fuel. He said mines account for only about 2% of national diesel consumption, yet face strict allocation conditions and high prices. He called for a governance approach that treats mining as a productive industry rather than simply a source of revenue.