National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO):
As the pivotal player in Iran's copper industry, it has been playing the main role in the development, exploration, and production of copper in Iran for over five decades.
With an integrated structure, the company is responsible for managing approximately 90% of the upstream activities in Iran's copper industry and covers the complete value chain—from geological studies and exploration to mining, processing, smelting, refining, and casting. Major mining and industrial complexes such as Sarcheshmeh, Miduk, Sungun, and Daralu, along with other mines and plants including Chehel Kureh, Darreh Zar, Iju, Chah Firouzeh, and Taft, are under the management and development of this company.
According to reputable international reports, global copper reserves are estimated at around 980 million tons, of which 66 million tons are located in Iran. This amount places Iran in sixth place worldwide in terms of reserves, and the National Iranian Copper Industries Company plays a key role in the principled exploitation of this strategic resource. The company's total geological resources (measured, indicated, and inferred) are estimated at over 22 billion tons, providing a reliable foundation for sustained production and long-term development.
Currently, NICICO has an annual production capacity of more than 1.6 million tons of copper concentrate and 320,000 tons of copper cathode with 99.999% purity.
The company's product portfolio includes copper concentrate, refined copper cathode, copper wire rod, molybdenum concentrate and oxide, precious metals concentrate, sulfuric acid, rhenium, and selenium, which are offered in domestic and international markets.
With annual revenue exceeding three billion dollars, the creation of approximately 50,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, and holding the top rank in market value among listed companies in the country, the National Iranian Copper Industries Company plays an effective role in the national economy.
On a global scale, based on reports from reputable institutions in 2024, Iran ranks sixteenth in the world in terms of mine copper production and eighteenth in copper cathode production. This is while its sixth place in reserves provides significant potential for further development.
Within the framework of Iran's Seventh Economic Development Plan, NICICO is pursuing a clear strategy for sustainable growth. Key objectives of the company in line with achieving this plan include:
• Developing mineral reserves to reach 19 billion tons,
• Increasing copper concentrate production capacity to 3.2 million tons per year,
• Increasing copper cathode production capacity to 520,000 tons per year,
• And completing the value chain by launching a copper wire rod plant with a capacity of 130,000 tons.
The targeted implementation of these projects, with a focus on productivity and investment effectiveness, will pave the way for generating more than 8 billion dollars in foreign currency earnings and increase the share of copper in the economic growth of the mining sector to over 20%.
Relying on rich reserves, advanced industrial infrastructure, and skilled human resources, the National Iranian Copper Industries Company is ready to play a more effective role in the sustainable supply of copper for the world's future industries.
National Iranian Copper Industries Company;
Sustainable development, responsible production, participation in the future of the global copper industry.
