TEHRAN – The first phase of the Songun Copper Mine, which is said to be the largest project implemented by the Ahmadinejad government, came into operation on Tuesday evening in Arasbaran, East Azarbaijan Province.

The first phase of this factory will bring about some 150,000 tons of copper concentrate annually.

The mine is estimated to have a lifespan of 31 years. It is believed to have reserved 806 million tons of copper ore with 62% purity. Some 60% of the factory’s installed equipments were manufactured by the Iranian experts and the rest 40% were imported.