Mapping Iran’s Uranium Mines: A Visual Guide to Key Sites

Iran’s uranium mining infrastructure is a pivotal component of its nuclear program, encompassing extraction, processing, and enrichment activities. While much attention is given to enrichment facilities like Natanz and Fordow, understanding the full scope requires delving into the country’s mining operations. This article provides an interactive map and detailed insights into Iran’s primary uranium mines.

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🔍 Key Uranium Mining Sites in Iran

Iran’s uranium mining activities are concentrated in several regions, each playing a crucial role in the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle.

1. Saghand Uranium Mine

• Location: Near Yazd, central Iran
• Coordinates: 32°18′47″N 55°31′48″E
• Details: Iran’s first operational uranium mine, activated in 2005. The deposit is estimated to contain 3,000 to 5,000 tons of uranium oxide over an area of 100 to 150 square kilometers. Wikipedia

2. Gchine Uranium Mine

• Location: Near Bandar Abbas, southern Iran
• Status: Closed
• Details: Previously a significant source of uranium ore, the Gchine mine has been inactive in recent years.

3. Narigan Mining and Industrial Complex

• Location: Bafq, Yazd Province
• Status: Operational
• Details: A key facility in uranium extraction, Narigan supports Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle. Iran Watch

4. Ardakan Yellowcake Production Plant

• Location: Ardakan, Yazd Province
• Status: Operational
• Details: Processes uranium ore into yellowcake, a concentrated form of uranium oxide. Iran Watch

5. Bandar Abbas Yellowcake Production Plant

• Location: Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province
• Status: Closed
• Details: Formerly a site for yellowcake production, this plant has ceased operations. Iran Watch

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🗺️ Interactive Map: Iran’s Uranium Mining Infrastructure

To visualize the distribution of these sites, refer to the interactive map provided by ExploreNuclear. This map highlights key facilities involved in uranium mining, processing, and enrichment across Iran.

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🧭 Understanding the Uranium Supply Chain

Iran’s uranium supply chain begins with extraction at mines like Saghand and Narigan. The ore is then transported to processing plants such as Ardakan, where it’s converted into yellowcake. This intermediate product is further processed into uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) gas, which is essential for enrichment activities at facilities like Natanz and Fordow.

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⚠️ Recent Developments and Strategic Implications

In June 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting several of Iran’s nuclear facilities, including enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow. These attacks disrupted operations and raised concerns about the security of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Isfahan facility, intended to become Iran’s fourth operational enrichment center, was also identified as a target. However, its inspection has been delayed due to the ongoing conflict. Reuters

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🧩 Conclusion

Iran’s uranium mining operations are integral to its nuclear program, supplying the necessary raw materials for enrichment and reactor fuel. Understanding the locations and functions of these sites provides valuable insight into the nation’s nuclear capabilities and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding them.