Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine
Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex is an active, NICICO-operated integrated copper asset in Kerman Province, about 50 km south of Rafsanjan. It combines an open-pit mine with concentrators, smelting, refining, foundry and leaching facilities, producing concentrate, cathode and semi-finished copper products alongside molybdenum by-product output. Its importance to Iran’s non-ferrous metals sector is tempered by water scarcity, which makes conservation and recycling central to operating and expansion planning.
Strategic and market-access role
Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine is one of Iran’s most important copper mining and processing assets. It is strategically relevant for Iran’s non-ferrous metals sector, copper value chain, mineral-resource development, industrial energy demand, water constraints, and export-linked metals activity. An integrated domestic copper supply asset, converting mined ore into concentrate and refined and semi-finished copper products.
Operations, capacity & connectivity
Related use cases
Copper mining, copper concentrate production, smelting and refining, copper cathodes, industrial metals supply, molybdenum-related production, mining infrastructure, power demand, water-use analysis, and export-linked mineral value chains.
Capacity and service area
Capacity: Mining began at 14 million tonnes of ore per year in 1975. A Phase 1 expansion completed before 2005 raised mining capacity to 21 million tonnes per year; historical reporting also indicated approximately 160,000 tonnes per year of pure copper output after that expansion. A 21 Mtpa tailings paste plant was commissioned in 2012. Service area: Iran’s non-ferrous metals and mineral-processing sector, with production covering copper concentrate, cathode, slab, billet and 8 mm copper wire. Molybdenum is a significant by-product.
Industries served
Mining and metals; copper processing; industrial manufacturing; power generation; water and tailings management.
Ownership, operation & expansion
Owner and operator
Owner: NICICO directly owned 100% of the complex’s operational units in the cited 2018 reporting. Operator: National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO).
Opening or commissioning
1975
Expansion and development projects
NICICO announced a study in 2005 for a further mining-capacity expansion of several million tonnes per year. The supplied evidence does not confirm the subsequent progress or completion of this plan.
Constraints, risk & compliance
Operational constraints
Water scarcity in the arid operating region is a material constraint on operations and expansion. The 2012 paste plant was designed to support water conservation through thickened tailings production.
Key risks and compliance considerations
Water availability and recycling remain material operational considerations. Current copper and molybdenum output, smelting and refining capacity, export exposure, and the status of later expansion plans require updated verification. Cross-border counterparties should conduct sanctions and trade-compliance due diligence relevant to Iran and NICICO-related transactions.
Connected Intelligence
Relevant geography, industry, market and execution context for this profile.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions most likely to arise when reviewing this profile.
Where is the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex located?
The complex is in Kerman Province, Iran, approximately 160 km southwest of Kerman city and 50 km south of Rafsanjan.
Who operates the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex?
The complex is operated by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO). Historical reporting cited in the evidence pack states that NICICO directly owned all of its operational units.
What does the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex produce?
Reported products include copper concentrate, copper cathode, slab, billet and 8 mm copper wire. Molybdenum is identified as a significant by-product.
What is the mining capacity of Sarcheshmeh?
Mining started in 1975 at 14 million tonnes of ore per year. Historical reporting indicates that a Phase 1 expansion completed before 2005 increased mining capacity to 21 million tonnes per year; this figure should not be treated as a current capacity confirmation.