Estimating the Social Optimum Level of Sulfur Dioxide Gas (SO2) Emitted from Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex and Itʼs Tax Rate

Sarcheshmeh copper complex is the largest producer of copper in Iran. With copper production, high amounts of SO2 are being produced in this complex and emmited into the environment. So, in this study, the social optimum level of SO2 released from this complex and the optimal tax rate will be evaluated. For this purpose, MD and MAC curves were estimated. The WTP for the reduction of SO2 emissions from the complex has been estimated using OOHB DCCV method to estimate MD of SO2 emissions from the complex. To estimate the MAC, Engineering-economic method was used. The social optimum level has been estimated about 265290.6 tons of SO2 per year. Optimal tax rate has been estimated 12815.2 Rials per ton of SO2 emissions. Therefore, 12815.2 Rials tax rate per amount of SO2 emissions (in ton) or determination of the emission limit level 265290.6 tons of SO2 per year has been suggested to reduce this gas.