Iran and Zimbabwe, both grappling with US sanctions, have agreed to develop relations, especially in the economic field.

Iran and Afghanistan will conclude a deal “soon” under which the Islamic Republic will import Afghan coal, minister of commerce and industries in the transitional Taliban government Nuruddin Azizi has said.

Iran will auction some 5,000 small, medium-sized mines as part of efforts to spur activity in the sector.

A contract has been signed with an Iranian company for the extraction of lead and zinc in Afghanistan’s Ghor province, the press office of the provincial governor has said. 

Iran’s customs office says mining accounted for 27% of the value of Iran’s exports in the year to March.

Iran is expected to boost its mining output by 40% with local manufacturing of heavy dump trucks.

Iran has put its third titanium processing plant into operation in a major boost to recycling of a precious metal used in high-end aerospace, marine and auto industries.