Workers protest IRGC-linked discrimination at Zarrashuran gold mine
Hengaw — Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Local workers at the Zarrashuran gold mine in Takab County have entered the third day of a peaceful strike and protest, citing widespread discrimination, the removal of welfare services, and unfair working conditions. The protests are directed at what workers describe as systematic favoritism and organized discrimination linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and have been met with threats and pressure from government forces.
According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Kurdish and local workers at the Zarrashuran mine began their strike and protest on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The action was triggered by unequal working conditions, the elimination of welfare benefits, and stark disparities in pay and privileges between local workers and non-local employees, stemming from the mine’s management by Ariana Company, which is affiliated with the IRGC.
Sources said the protesting workers, most of whom are residents of the surrounding area, have maintained a fully peaceful strike and gathering. They are demanding an end to discrimination, nepotism, and organized favoritism associated with IRGC-linked management at the mine.
The workers stressed that the unequal treatment and inequality are the direct result of the mine’s administration by Ariana Company. They have called for an immediate end to discriminatory practices tied to the IRGC and for urgent action to address their labor-related demands.
Zarrashuran is considered one of the largest gold mines in the Middle East. It was transferred last year to Ariana Company, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Following this transfer, all welfare services and employment benefits for local workers were removed, while non-local employees linked to the IRGC reportedly continue to receive higher salaries and greater benefits.
At the same time, the strike has been met with threats and intimidation by government-affiliated actors. Sources reported that workers have been warned they could be dismissed and permanently barred from working at the mine if the protests continue.
Despite freezing weather conditions and ongoing threats from forces linked to the IRGC, the strike has now entered its third consecutive day. So far, mine officials and relevant authorities have issued no official response to the workers’ demands.
