The phase 1 expansion of Sarcheshmeh came on stream in 2005, increasing mining production capacity to 21 million t/y from 14 million t/y of ore.

Copper treatment at the complex is being increased by 180,000 t/y from 380,000 t/y of concentrates, resulting in new production of 50,000 t/y of pure copper to add to its existing production of 110,000 t/y.

The upgrade is one of several recently commissioned projects in Kerman province, including: Maiduk with mining capacity of 5 million t/y of ore, copper concentrate capacity of 150,000 t/y and pure copper capacity of 50,000 t/y; and Khaton Abad, with smelter capacity of 80,000 t/y.

Another project at Sungon in West Azerbaijan province, will come on stream next year with ore production of 7 million t/y and concentrate and pure copper output of 170,000 t/y and 50,000 t/y respectively.