Ahmad Abad Mine

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Bafq County, Yazd Province, Iran

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Key Information

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  • The Ahmed Abad Mine is located in Bafq County, Yazd Province, Iran, about 60 km northeast of Bafq city and 5 km west of Ahmed Abad village, in a desert region known for its mineral wealth.

  • It produces lead-zinc ores, with notable minerals like wulfenite, which is rare and appealing to collectors.

  • The mine is part of an Infracambrian volcanic field, suggesting volcanic rock types and hydrothermal mineralization.

  • It opened in 1974 with eight tunnels, but its current operational status is unclear.

  • The area has a rich Persian and Zoroastrian cultural heritage, with a desert climate and sparse vegetation.

Geographic Location

The Ahmed Abad Mine sits in the heart of Bafq County, Yazd Province, central Iran, roughly 60 km northeast of Bafq city and 5 km west of Ahmed Abad village. Yazd Province is known for its desert landscapes, and Bafq County is southeast of Yazd city, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its windcatchers. Nearby, the Chogart Mine, an iron oxide-apatite deposit 12 km northeast of Bafq, adds to the region's mineral allure.

Minerals Produced

This mine is a hub for lead-zinc ores, yielding a variety of minerals including calcite, cerussite, galena, hemimorphite, hydrozincite, minium, plattnerite, pyrite, pyromorphite, sphalerite, vanadinite, and notably wulfenite. Wulfenite, with its vibrant yellow to orange crystals, stands out as an uncommon and visually striking find for collectors.

Geological and Mining Context

Research suggests the mine is embedded in an Infracambrian volcanic field, likely featuring volcanic rocks like ignimbrites and intrusions, with mineralization tied to hydrothermal processes from ancient volcanic activity. It began operations in 1974, utilizing eight tunnels for extraction, but the evidence leans toward uncertainty regarding whether it remains active today.

Cultural and Environmental Setting

Bafq County boasts a rich cultural tapestry, influenced by Persian and Zoroastrian traditions, with Bafq city (population around 45,000) offering a blend of modern and ancient customs. The desert climate brings hot summers and mild winters, with ecology marked by sparse vegetation and desert-adapted flora and fauna, enhancing the region's unique character.

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