Iran, with its numerous active bentonite mines and vast reserves of this versatile mineral, is one of the leading producers and exporters of bentonite. Mofid Trading Company is one of the pioneering companies in bentonite production and export. Most of our bentonite mines are located in the northeast of Iran, where the quality of bentonite is exceptional. Additionally, Mofid Trading Company owns bentonite mines in central and northwest regions of Iran. The diversity of our mines and the variety in the quality of our bentonite are the main competitive advantages of Mofid Trading Company in this market.
Bentonite Mines in Iran
Bentonite is a vital and important material in the steel industry and oil well drilling, as well as in the production of detergents and hygiene products, oil purification, foundry processes, and livestock and poultry industries. According to geological studies, the primary distribution of Iran’s bentonite mines, in terms of quantity and quality, is concentrated in six provinces, which we will discuss further.
Iran’s extensive bentonite mines are scattered across six regions. It is worth noting that most of these deposits are associated with Cenozoic volcanic activities.
The world’s major bentonite reserves are located first in the United States, followed by China, Greece, and then Algeria, Australia, and Canada. Iran’s possession of extensive high-grade bentonite mines has positioned it among the top 10 producers of this valuable and versatile material.
However, due to imposed sanctions, Iran has been unable to fully utilize its potential in exploiting bentonite mines. For instance, the production of bentonite in 2015 was only 430,000 tons. In the following section, you will learn about Iran’s most important natural bentonite deposits.
Applications of Bentonite
Bentonite is a type of clay mineral with a high percentage of montmorillonite, which can be modified for the following uses:
- Feed for livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals
- Foundry and strengthening/stabilizing molding sand
- Oil well drilling
- Water well drilling
- Earthing systems and ground wells
- Agriculture and animal husbandry
- Pelletizing iron ore
- Bedding for domestic and farm animals
Bentonite-Producing Regions in Iran
It is worth mentioning that the quality of bentonite produced in Iran’s various mines is not uniform.
Some mines have very low absorption coefficients. Additionally, not all producers are capable of granulating this product.
In the following section, you will get acquainted with Iran’s most important bentonite mines.
Bentonite Mines in Khorasan
The province of Khorasan is one of the main hubs of bentonite production in the country. A total of 21.65 million tons of Iran’s overall reserves are located in this region.
Due to the superior quality of South Khorasan bentonite, its products are exported to Iraq and the Gulf countries.
Some of the active and rich mines in this province include:
- Sarayan in South Khorasan
- Nikan in Mashhad
- Birjand
- Ferdows
Bentonite Mines in Kerman
- Harjand
- Sirjan
- Tang
- Quchan
- Kheirabad
Bentonite Mines in Zanjan
The province of Zanjan is another source of bentonite reserves in Iran. According to studies, Zanjan has 8 bentonite mines, with an estimated nominal capacity of around 900,000 tons annually.
The most well-known bentonite mines in this province, which are listed among the bentonite mines in Iran, are Kalekateh and Qarahnaz. Establishing a bentonite factory in Zanjan and processing this mineral has created job opportunities while preventing the raw material from leaving the province.
Two reputable companies in the field of bentonite mining and processing in Zanjan are the Valiasr Mining Company and the Exploration Mining Company. The bentonite from Zanjan mines, rich in iron and aluminum, is used in tile and ceramic factories, glass and crystal production units, and glaze tile factories.
- Valiasr Mining Company in Zanjan
- Exploration Mining Company in Zanjan
Bentonite Mine in Semnan
The first and most famous bentonite mine listed among bentonite mines in Iran is the Semnan Bentonite Mine. Semnan, known as the “aquarium of minerals,” houses vast reserves of sodium and calcium bentonite. Considering the significance of the oil and gas drilling industries in Iran, drilling-grade bentonite with high absorption has special importance.
According to advancedsciencenews:
“The most common use of bentonite is in drilling fluids. The bentonite in the flush fluid lubricates and cools the cutting tools while protecting against corrosion. As the drilling fluid generates hydrostatic pressure in the borehole, it hinders fluid and gas penetration.”
Semnan bentonite, in powdered form, is used in well drilling to prevent well wall collapse, in water and wastewater treatment, in the production of chemical products as an absorber of heavy metal elements, and on livestock farms to absorb moisture from animal bedding.
Some of the notable bentonite deposits in Semnan include:
- Reshm Deposits
- Susan Var
- Mo’alleman
- Roadsides near the desert
Bentonite Mine in Isfahan
The province of Isfahan, with its bentonite mines and petrochemical industries, is one of the major producers of this mineral. Based on quality and purity levels, Isfahan bentonite is used in pelletizing, livestock feed production, chemical paint production, foundry applications, and food industries.
Isfahan’s bentonite mines include Sina Production, Gouhran Mine, and Isfahan Fuse.
Types of bentonite produced in this region include:
- Feed-grade bentonite
- Absorptive bentonite
- Yielding bentonite
- Oil drilling bentonite
- Pile drilling bentonite
- Metallurgical and foundry bentonite
- Agricultural bentonite
- Structural bentonite
- Livestock and poultry feed bentonite
- Earthing well bentonite
Isfahan’s bentonite mines are as follows:
- Sina Production
- Gouhran Mine
- Isfahan Fuse
Bentonite Mine in Tabas
Tabas, located in central Iran, is rich in bentonite mineral resources. These extensive mines stretch from Ardakan in Yazd province to the southern limits of Ferdows County.
The most prominent bentonite mines in Tabas are:
- Zarrin Deposit
- Aliabad Posht-e-Badam
- Saghand
- Eshqabad Tabas
- Goushmir
- Hesamiyeh
- Merikeh
Tabas bentonite reserves are of the sodium-swelling type, suitable for agricultural use and creating cultivation beds. The minimum reserves in Tabas are estimated at around 1,000 tons, and the price varies depending on water absorption capacity and quality. When purchasing Tabas bentonite, ensure the product analysis aligns with your intended application.3
Bentonite Export to Neighboring Countries
As explained in the previous section, vast deposits of bentonite exist in Iran, and this has led to its widespread export to neighboring countries and the Persian Gulf region.
However, one of the issues with the export of this product is the drastic reduction in its value, as it is sold at low prices.
This is because, nowadays, the market for processing raw and mineral materials is very active. Neighboring countries take advantage of this opportunity by purchasing Iran’s raw bentonite at low prices and then processing it and reselling it to Iran at high prices.
The value of processed bentonite increases by 5 to 7 times. On the other hand, the high transportation costs significantly add to the price of processed bentonite.
If this material were processed domestically, it could be provided to the consuming industries at much lower and more affordable prices.
Establishing a Bentonite Processing Plant in Iran
Exporting raw bentonite while its consuming industries in Iran are rapidly growing causes significant harm to the country’s economic cycle.
Since there are many skilled and educated individuals in our country, there is no logical reason to import processed bentonite from neighboring countries.
Therefore, with government support for the private sector, entrepreneurs can prevent illogical exports and imports by establishing bentonite processing plants and provide the raw materials needed by domestic industries.
They can also take effective steps in job creation.
Mofid Trading can provide the bentonite you need, with the requested specifications in terms of absorption percentage, grain size, and chemical composition, at the lowest prices.
Bentonite Mine Price
The price of bentonite mines is determined based on the grade and purity of the product and its quality. As previously mentioned, the most widely used types of bentonite are sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite, and other types have limited applications and economic value. Factors such as grain size (fine or coarse), water absorption capacity, chemical composition analysis, and packaging type (regular bag, laminated, jumbo bag) also affect the price of bentonite mines.
It should be noted that lump bentonite is priced lower than powder bentonite, as it can be immediately shipped after extraction with no processing. Even in terms of product granulation, the higher the required mesh size, the more expensive the grinding process becomes, thus raising the overall cost.
Sales of Bentonite Products from Various Mines in Iran
Mofid Trading is an active company in the supply of various metallic products and minerals.
This trading company, with extensive experience and a broad network of production units throughout Iran, is capable of providing the bentonite you need, with the requested specifications in terms of absorption percentage, grain size, and chemical composition, at the lowest prices.
To ensure product quality, the technical specifications and laboratory analysis reports will be provided.
For price inquiries and more information, you can contact the Mofid Trading experts through the contact numbers listed on the website.
Final Words
Bentonite is recognized as a valuable and useful mineral in the steel industry, oil well drilling, oil refining, production of hygienic products, casting, and the livestock and poultry industries. As mentioned, the list of bentonite mines in Iran is concentrated in six regions: Semnan, Zanjan, Tabas, Yazd, Kerman, and Isfahan. Bentonite extracted from these mines is used in various industries depending on its type and characteristics.
FAQ
What are the most famous bentonite mines in Iran?
The most famous bentonite mines in Iran are the Kolkette and Qara Naz mines, Zarrin deposit, Ali Abad Pishtabam, Saghand, Ishqabad Tabas, Goshmir, Hassamiyeh, Merikeh, Harjand, Sirjan, Tang, Guchan, and Khairabad, Sina Tolid, Goharan mine, and Isfahan Fuse, concentrated in six provinces.
In which provinces are the bentonite mines of Iran located?
Bentonite mines in Iran are concentrated in the provinces of Semnan, Isfahan, Yazd, Tabas, Zanjan, and Kerman.