The chief of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) stated that the Islamic Republic�s uranium reserves are much larger than previous estimates and that the country plans to operate six more uranium mines by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (which concludes on March 20, 2024).

Mohammad Eslami said on Sunday that currently eight uranium mines are operating in the country.

�Our uranium reserves in the country now exceed the previous estimates. We are currently operating eight mines, and six more mines are planned to come on stream by the end of the [Iranian calendar] year,� he said.

He added that over the past year and a half, they have located and run several mines to complete the nuclear fuel chain.

Eslami further said that the extraction of uranium ore from mines and its process through the heap leaching method greatly benefits the chain of valuable elements.

�The AEOI has drawn up and compiled a 20-year perspective plan to pave the way to attain Iran�s nuclear industry objectives,� he added.

Eslami said thanks to the plan, the agency�has a proper understanding of the path ahead both at national and international levels and is moving forward with a viable strategy.

By Press TV