Iran is willing to provide technical know-how and assistance to develop the mining sector of the African state of Niger, a senior Iranian government official said.

Industries, Mines and Trade Minister Mohammadreza Nematzadeh said during a meeting with visiting Nigerien Mining and Industrial Development Minister Omar Hamidou Tchiana in Tehran that Iran can take part in mining explorations in Niger in cooperation with that country's private sector, an Iran Daily report said, citing Fars News Agency.

Iranian private sector, with the support of state companies such as Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) and Iranian Geological Organization, can also contribute to developing Niger's mining sector, he added.