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Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

mine

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The Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine in Kerman Province is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world and the most significant in the Middle East. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters in the central mountain range of Iran. The mine contains estimated reserves of over one billion tons of ore with an average copper grade of 0.7%. Operations are managed by the National Iranian Copper Industries Company (NICICO), which also operates smelting and refining facilities on-site. In addition to copper, Sarcheshmeh yields substantial amounts of molybdenum, gold, and silver as by-products. Industrial development began in the 1970s with international technological cooperation. Today, the mine is a cornerstone of Iranian industry, supplying the domestic market for electrical and construction goods while also being a major export earner. The geological formation of the deposit is a porphyry copper system created by magmatic processes millions of years ago.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	5	9	14	20	25	26	24	21	16	9	5
Rain mm	29	23	20	15	4	0	1	3	0	3	21	27

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Recognized globally as one of the largest copper extraction sites on the planet, this colossal open-pit mine is a fundamental pillar of Iran's industrial sector. It drives major economic activity in Kerman Province and serves as a critical source of valuable base and precious metals for international export.

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Visiting

Tourist access into the heavily guarded active mining pit and the massive industrial processing facilities is strictly forbidden due to severe safety and operational protocols. Enthusiasts of heavy industry can generally only view the astonishingly massive topographical changes from designated exterior public zones.

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Where to view it

The sheer magnitude of the terraced open pit and the surrounding sprawling tailings dams can sometimes be glimpsed from elevated public highways traversing the rugged mountainous terrain. These distant vantage points emphasize the incredible human engineering required to literally carve away entire mountains.

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Local products

Surrounding communities primarily cater to the massive workforce rather than tourists, so visitors will typically find robust local eateries and basic goods rather than souvenirs. Copper artisanal crafts might occasionally be found in regional centers like Kerman city, indirectly reflecting the area's rich resource base.

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Active season

As a foundational pillar of the national economy, extraction and processing operations run continuously twenty-four hours a day, throughout the entire year. Visitors passing by during normal daylight hours will consistently witness intense logistical movement and the ongoing hum of massive heavy machinery.

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Nearby

Observing the sheer industrial might of this facility is frequently coupled with exploring the profound historical and cultural sites located in the nearby city of Kerman. Travelers highly recommend experiencing both the modern economic powerhouse and the ancient desert architecture in a single, well-planned regional itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates

29.93000, 55.88000

Facts

The mine holds the world's second-largest copper deposit after a site in Chile.
The open pit measures approximately 2 kilometers in diameter and 500 meters in depth.
Annual copper cathode production at the complex exceeds 200,000 tons.
NICICO was established in 1972 specifically to manage this massive resource.
The ore is crushed and floated in a massive on-site concentrator plant.
The mine utilizes massive 240-ton dump trucks for transporting ore within the pit.