Financial Tribune - Iran has about 4,000 inactive mines, the chairman of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization said.

Khodadad Gharibpour, who is also a deputy industries minister, added that small mines in Iran hold an 85% share in the mining sector�s employment, while they have a 65% share in mining output, IRNA reported.

The Industries Ministry had earlier announced plans to revive 150 small mines to create at least 1,000 jobs in the current fiscal year (started March 21).