Iraq

Iraq has a rich and ancient history of mining that dates back to the Sumerian civilization as early as 4000 BCE. The ancient Sumerians extracted copper, gold, silver, and other precious metals from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Babylonians continued the tradition of mining and were known for their skill in smelting copper and producing bronze. Mining in Iraq declined during the Islamic Golden Age, but resurged during Ottoman rule in the 19th century when coal and oil were discovered.

​

In the 20th century, Iraq's mining industry was significantly impacted by political instability and war. The Iran-Iraq war and the Gulf War resulted in the destruction of many mining facilities, including a uranium mine. However, in recent years, Iraq has made efforts to revitalize its mining industry and improve the exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals such as iron, copper, and gold. The country's rich mineral resources and strategic location make mining in Iraq a potential source of economic growth and diversification in the coming years.