Nakhlak Mine (Madan-e Nakhlak; Ma'dan-e-Nahlak)

The Nakhlak Mine is situated 55 kilometers northeast of Anarak city, in the Anarak District of Nain County, Isfahan Province, Iran. This places it in central Iran, near the vast Dasht-e Kavir salt desert, known for its arid, desert landscape. Anarak is about 75 kilometers from Nain city, which is famous for its ancient castle and Jameh Mosque. Nearby, other notable mineral localities include the Chah Mileh Mine and Meskani Mine, making this region a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts.

The mine is primarily a lead ore deposit, producing minerals such as Galena (lead sulfide), Cerussite (lead carbonate), Mimetite (lead arsenate chloride), and Wulfenite (lead molybdate). Cerussite stands out for its reticulated or lattice-like forms, highly prized by collectors. Geologically, it is located in Late Cretaceous carbonate rocks, specifically dolomites and dolomitized sandy limestones, with ore bodies as steeply dipping veins or clusters of massive Galena. It is classified as a Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) deposit, formed by hydrothermal fluids in sedimentary rocks.

With a history spanning over 2500 years, the Nakhlak Mine dates back to the Sassanid Empire or possibly earlier, to the Parthian Empire. It was modernized in the mid-1930s with assistance from German and Austrian engineers. Today, it remains active, producing around 30,000 tons of mineral annually, resulting in 3,000 tons of lead concentrate, and holds certifications like ISO14001 and ISO9001.

The nearby city of Anarak has a unique local dialect, Anaraki, and features a museum documenting its history, along with historical sites like old walls and watchtowers. The climate is typical of a desert, with hot, dry summers and cool nights, reflecting the arid environment of central Iran. Agriculture and handicrafts are key to the local economy, though water scarcity poses challenges.