Applicant Investors for Mehdiabad Lead and Zinc Mine Compete in Final Round

Manager of Mehdiabad Lead and Zinc Complex: following the call for investor for Mediabad Lead and Zinc Mine, that was published in January of 2016, to establish zinc concentrate processing plants with 800 thousand tons of capability along with lead-silver concentrate with 80 thousand tons, and to mine and remove waste from Mehdiabad Mine, 13 applicants mainly in form of valid consertiums filled and submitted pre-evaluation documents. There are recognized companies from Switzerland, Finland, Australia, China, Russia, etc. along with Iranian renowned companies showing their interest.

Therefore, having opened envelops containing pre-evaluation documents, we identified the qualified applicants and we are delivering the final round documents to 7 consertiums. Regarding the necessity of mine sampling and other required tests along with technical and financial reviews by applicant companies, enough time will be assigned for them, so that after there will be a two-month gap from date of final docuemnts submission to develop and submit their pricing proposal; for sure, this period will be extended if IMIDRO agrees to finally select the most qualified investors for one of the greatest lead and zinc mines of the world. This will hopefully help IMIDRO meet the expectations from IMIDRO as the owner of licence of operation of MEhdiabad Mine.

Thus, it is predicted that Mehdiabad Lead and Zinc Complex will get to know and meet its investor in the summer of 2016. Based on the published documents and upcoming contract, the investor is obliged to equip the mine, and to start mining and waste removal activities in 3 months after date of enforcement of the contract. It is also obliged to conduct studies to establish the plant, obtain licenses and to provide the necessary infrastructures in a one-year period. In addition, it is obliged to finalize the plants establishment operations in a three-year period.

Hence, in 4 years after the date of enforcement of the contract, the mine and relevant plants will be established and ready to operate commercially for an initial 20-year period. It is hoped that attracting an investor for Mehdiabad Mine opens the windows of opportunities for other Mines to attract recognized international investors, prospering mine and industry of Iran as a key to Resistance Economy.