Semnan – IRNA – Some experts believe that if the country’s mineral resources are utilized effectively, this sector can help boost Iran’s economy against sanctions and alleviate some youth unemployment. The significant reserves of gypsum in Semnan are one of these national capacities.
According to IRNA, gypsum is a tremendous natural wealth that is easily accessible, and its processing yields valuable products in the transformation industries. Statistics show that Semnan ranks first in the country for gypsum reserves, and this strategic product from the province was registered internationally this year.
A considerable volume of the gypsum produced in Semnan is offered to the market as a construction material. Attracting investment for the production of industrial and non-construction gypsum in this region is an unavoidable necessity, as construction practices in the country and worldwide are moving away from using gypsum in its raw and most basic form as construction gypsum.
The wear and tear of production line machinery, unsuitable access roads to gypsum mines, lack of infrastructure services such as electricity supply, and bureaucratic red tape are fundamental challenges in the development of the gypsum industry in Semnan province.
Addressing these infrastructure issues and providing comprehensive support for the mining sector can serve as a suitable alternative for the country’s oil revenue during sanctions and keep the economy dynamic. Cooperation and coordination among executive agencies in supporting the mining sector, particularly the gypsum industry in Semnan, are among the needs of the operators and mining activists in this province.
Iran ranks second in the world in gypsum production, producing 11 million tons, with Semnan province accounting for a significant portion of this mineral. Semnan holds 23 percent of the world’s gypsum and about 80 percent of Iran’s gypsum reserves, with 42 gypsum factories operating in the province.
According to IRNA, statistics show that Semnan ranks first in the country for gypsum reserves. Of the 70 identified mineral types in the country, 42 are present in Semnan, and estimates suggest that its reserves are sufficient for economic extraction if processing and final product production are established.
With 597 mines, Semnan ranks fifth in the country in terms of the number of mines and sixth in extraction volume, producing 40 percent of the country’s gypsum. About 95 percent of the gypsum mines in Semnan province are located in the Sarakhs county.
Semnan province has 3.5 billion tons of geological reserves and over 5,500 million tons of proven mineral reserves, providing employment for 4,200 workers in these units.
Given the importance of the topic, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) held a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges of the Gypsum Industry” featuring Ali Akbar Hashimi, head of the Mining Industries Department of the Industry, Mining, and Trade Organization of the province; Mehdi Abolkhairiyan, secretary of the provincial gypsum union; and Jalal al-Din Salehian, a member of the Semnan Chamber of Commerce.
Activity of 42 Gypsum Factories in Semnan Province
A member of the Semnan Chamber of Commerce mentioned in the roundtable that the gypsum industry is predominant in this industrial region. He stated that the monetary value, volume of reserves, sustainable employment, and energy consumption in production have made gypsum a valuable mineral in Semnan province.
Salehian pointed out the activity of 42 gypsum factories with operating licenses in the province and added that the gypsum industry is economically justified and has led to growth in public transportation activities and job creation.
He noted that Semnan province has numerous metallic and non-metallic mineral capacities, with gypsum mines being the dominant capacity in terms of weight.
