Iran has discovered of new deposits of gold, tin and precious stones in the east of the country, state radio reports.
The deposits were found in the region of Nehbandan, situated in southern Khorassan province and near the border with Afghanistan.
Mines and Industries Minister Mr Eshagh Jahanghiri said the government would offer "banking facilities to the private sector" for the exploitation of the deposits.
Two months ago mineral-rich Iran announced the discovery of "important" copper deposits in the northwest of the country, adding to its vast copper resources estimated at more than one billion tonnes in the south.
AFP
