What is a Mine and Its Types

In these types of mines, minerals are located close to the earth’s surface, and extraction is done from the surface. For example, the Sarcheshmeh copper mine in Kerman is one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.

Underground Mines

In these types of mines, minerals are found at greater depths, and extraction is performed through tunneling and shafts. Tabas coal mines are an example of large underground mines in Iran.

History of Discovery and Exploitation of Mines

The extraction of minerals has a long history that dates back thousands of years. In Iran, the history of mining dates back to the Achaemenid era.

Structure of Mines

The structure of mines refers to a complex set of diverse components that collaborate to extract, process, and transport minerals. These structures vary depending on the type of mine, the depth of the minerals, and the extraction methods used, and they consist of important sections such as the extraction site, processing units, transportation infrastructure, and support equipment. These elements are optimized to enhance productivity, safety, and reduce operational costs.

Extraction Site

The extraction site is where the main operations to access minerals take place. This location may include open-pit holes (in surface mines) or tunnels and shafts (in underground mines). The choice of extraction method depends on factors such as mineral depth, geological structure, and the type of mineral being mined.

• Open-Pit Mines: In this method, the surface layers of the earth are removed using heavy machinery such as bulldozers, loaders, and large trucks. This method is primarily used for extracting materials located near the surface, such as coal, copper, iron, and similar minerals. The angle of the wall slopes and extraction depth in open-pit mines require careful design to prevent landslides and safety hazards.
• Underground Mines: In these sites, tunnels and shafts are created to access minerals at greater depths. The construction and maintenance of tunnels require advanced systems such as ventilation, toxic gas control, and ensuring safety against collapses. Vertical shafts are used for transporting materials and transferring workers, and rail transport systems or conveyors are used to transport minerals to the surface.

Processing Units

Extracted minerals often cannot be directly used in industries and require processing. Processing units, including those of Zamin Kavand Gharb, are part of the structure of mines where extracted materials are converted into usable products through physical, chemical, and mechanical methods. Processing involves several stages, each requiring expertise and advanced equipment:

• Crushing: The first stage after extraction is crushing mineral rocks into smaller pieces. This is done using crushers and mills to reduce the size of the materials to a level that facilitates subsequent processes like concentration.
• Screening: After crushing, minerals are divided into different categories through screening machines. This process enhances processing efficiency by separating materials based on size and chemical composition.
• Flotation: This processing method is primarily used for separating metals from mineral rocks. Using air bubbles and specific chemicals, valuable minerals are separated from the waste.
• Calcination: For some materials, such as ores containing gold or silver, calcination is necessary for extracting precious metals. This process requires high temperatures and the use of furnaces.

Transportation Infrastructure

Transporting minerals from the extraction site to processing units and then to markets is a crucial part of the mining industry. Transportation infrastructure includes special roads, rail lines, conveyors, and ports. These infrastructures are designed to optimize transport time and costs while ensuring the safety of workers and equipment.

• Special Roads: To facilitate transport in remote areas, specialized roads are designed that allow large trucks to access the mines.
• Rail Lines: In some mines, rail lines are designed for transporting minerals, which increases capacity and reduces costs.
• Conveyors: In large mines, conveyors serve as an effective solution for transporting materials between different processing stages as well as between the extraction site and processing units.

Most Important Mines in Iran

• Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine: The largest open-pit copper mine in the Middle East and one of the largest copper mines in the world, located in Kerman.
• Chadormalu Iron Mine: A large iron mine in Yazd province, which is one of the main sources of iron in Iran.
• Tabas Coal Mine: The largest coal mine in Iran, located in South Khorasan province.
• Zarshuran Gold Mine: One of the largest gold mines in Iran, located in West Azerbaijan province.