The mine contains approximately 250,000 tonnes of proven reserves, while the total geological resource is estimated at around 500,000 tonnes. Exploration activities, including underground exploration tunnels and diamond core drilling to depths ranging from 50 to 150 meters, have enabled accurate delineation of the mineralized zone. The gilsonite seam reaches a thickness of approximately 15 meters in the northern section of the deposit and decreases to about 3 meters in the southern section, with a total mineralized strike length of approximately 400 meters.

Mining Method

Based on detailed geological investigations and the geometry of the ore body, mining operations at Garaveh are conducted using the open-pit bench mining method. Bench heights range from 10 to 15 meters, and extraction is carried out using hydraulic excavators, with controlled blasting employed where necessary to maximize recovery while maintaining safe and efficient mining operations.

Role in the Value Chain

Gilsonite extracted from the Garaveh Mine is transported to Sormak's Bisotun Processing Plant, where it undergoes crushing, micronization, moisture reduction, ash reduction, and packaging. The final products are supplied in various grades to both domestic and international markets.

The Garaveh Mine serves as one of the primary sources of feedstock for the Company's gilsonite processing plant and plays an essential role in the production of high-quality gilsonite products used in asphalt modification, waterproofing membranes, oil well drilling fluids, foundry applications, paints, printing inks, and numerous other industrial applications.

Mine Highlights

• Located in Kermanshah Province, on the Gilan-e Gharb–Qasr-e Shirin Road

• One of the proprietary gilsonite (natural bitumen) mines of Sormak Mines Company

• Approximately 250,000 tonnes of proven reserves

• Estimated geological resources of approximately 500,000 tonnes

• Open-pit bench mining operation

• Resource evaluation based on exploration tunnels and diamond core drilling

• Primary supplier of feedstock for the Bisotun Gilsonite Processing Plant

• Strategic contributor to the production and export of value-added gilsonite products