Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 14
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
Over 226,700 tons of aluminium ingots were produced in Iran in the first nine months of current Iranian fiscal year (March 20-Dec. 21, 2017).
Iranian Aluminium Company (IRALCO), produced 102,161 tons of aluminium ingots in the 9-month period, while the volume of aluminium ingot production in the Al-Mahdi Aluminum Corporation (AAC) and Hormozal companies stood at 45,528 and 79,018 tons respectively, based on data released by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).
Iran’s aluminium ingot production capacity stands at 487,000 tons per year. The figure is planned to reach 780,000 tons by 2020 and 1.2 million tons by 2025.
The country’s three leading companies produce 350,000 tons of aluminium ingots per year, meanwhile Iran’s annual aluminium demand stands at 500,000 tons.
About 179,576 tons of alumina powder was also produced in the country during the 9-month period.
Alumina is a refined version of the raw ore bauxite. It is typically used to make aluminium, but in its high purity or 'chemical grade' form, it has non-metal applications that have sensitive military uses.
Iran’s bauxite and aluminium hydrate output also stood at 547,708 and 305,279 tons respectively in the same span of time.
The country’s proven mineral reserves stand at 37 billion tons.
Exploratory operations in aluminium and iron ore mines are the top priorities of Iran’s Industry, Mines, and Trade Ministry for making investments.
Aluminium and iron mines are also among the top four discovery priorities. According to the ministry, Iran daily produces 1.2 million tons of minerals.