Iran plans to privatise some 100 of its smaller copper and lead mines, which would also be made available to foreign companies, the state IRNA news agency reported Saturday.
Mining ministry director Abolqassem Ataei said the mines would be sold to Iran's private sector or foreign firms but gave no further details on when the transfers might take place.
Iran produced 1.8 billion dollars of lead and copper last year and exported 450 million dollars' worth, he said. The government of President Mohammad Khatami has announced plans to get key economic sectors out from under state control in a bid to revive the economy, which has been struggling with high unemployment and inflation. – (AFP)
© Agence France Presse 2000
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
