Geotourism of mining sites in Iran: An opportunity for sustainable rural development

Abstract

The abundance and diversity of mineralization in Iran form the foundation of Iran's rich history of mining. The mining sites have geo-scientific, industrial, cultural, social, economical, historical and anthropological potentials for development of tourism. Using these potentials is very important for rural sustainable development. In this paper we suggest developing tourism in the mining sites within the framework of geotourism in Iran. The geological, cultural and historical aspects of ancient mines and current mining sites are discussed. Furthermore, their geotouristic potentials (like historic mining industry and buildings, exploration or extraction tunnels, minerals, signatures of mineralization types) are discussed within a broader sustainable development picture of Iran. We propose how Iran's rich mining heritage provides a valuable basis for tourism development and creates potential for more diverse employment opportunities. Developing and planning tourism in mining sites entails strategic implementation of public education on geological processes, cultural and historical evolutions, asserting the value and originality of mining sites and calling for public assistance in the protection of the heritages.

Keywords

• Mining sites
• Geotourism
• Sustainability
• Rural development
• Iran