TEHRAN- Iran’s worth of minerals and mining exports stood at $6 billion in the past Iranian calendar year (which ended on March 20), IRNA quoted Deputy Industry, Mining and Trade Minister Jafar Sarqini as saying on Tuesday.

Underlining the role of mines in the prosperity of national economy, the official also announced that mines have created 12,500 job opportunities and mining industries account for creation of  6,500 jobs in the country during the past year.

The share of mining sector in Iran’s gross domestic product (GDP) will be increased to 1.5 percent in the Sixth National Development Plan (2016-2021) from the current figure of 1.1 percent, Sarqini told IRNA on March 24.

Mining and minerals sector has all necessary qualities specified by “Resistance Economy” and is of high value added, the official highlighted.

Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry has adopted the policy of reducing risks for the private sector regarding investment making in the mining industry and it has thriving this sector on its agenda, the deputy minister further stated.

MA