In the meeting, Gharibpour called for cooperation with the Australian side in various areas including training, exploration, extraction, and new technologies, IRIB reported.

Noting that the mentioned areas were a priority for cooperation between the two sides, the official added: "In-depth exploration and extraction is one of our main needs for the development of the mining sector and we intend to benefit from research and development as well as the technical knowledge of Australian companies in this regard."

Iran's Deputy Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Saeed Zarandi announced the establishment of 10 investment holding companies in the industry and mining sectors in near future, IRIB reported recently.

Launching seven investment holdings in the industrial sector and three holdings in the mining sector is on the agenda and will be operational soon with legal considerations,” Zarandi said in a ceremony for the establishment of a public joint-stock company active in the mining and mineral industries sector.As reported, the ceremony was held in the presence of representatives of large mineral and mining industry companies, as well as investment funds related to these companies.

• [Editor:kangmingfei]