Location: Ardakan
Subordinate to: AEOI
Size: Large scale
Primary Function: Ore purification

Description:

This large-scale facility will be able to process between 100 to 200 tons annually. Iran may have received assistance in developing the plant from various countries. In 1989, Argentina signed an agreement to build a series of structures, but that deal fell through due to US input. In the mid-1990s, Russia drew designs for the plant. Later, Chinese specialists helped Iran begin constructing the plant. It is scheduled to be completed and begin operations in 2005.

Key Source:
Vasily Lata and Anton Khlopkov, "Iran's Missile and Nuclear Challenge: A Conundrum for Russia," The Center for Policy Studies in Russia (PIR), 8 May 2003, http://www.pircenter.org/report/lata_05-08-2003.pdf.

	Updated January 2006