Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 5
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
Over 244,577 tons of aluminium ingots were produced in Iran in the first ten months of current Iranian fiscal year (March 20, 2016 – Jan. 20).
The figure indicates a fall by 1 percent compared to the same period of preceding year, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported Feb. 5.
Arak Aluminium company with 113,152 tons production was the biggest producers of aluminium ingot in Iran in the mentioned period (9.9 percent more year-on-year), followed by Hormozal Aluminium Company with 80,427 tons (2 percent increase) and Almahdi Aluminium Company.
The three companies produced 24,033 tons of aluminium ingot during the tenth Iranian calendar month of day (ended Jan. 20), 5 percent less year-on-year.
About 195,126 tons of alumina powder also produced in the country during the 10-month period, 4.9 percent less compared to the same period of preceding year.
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 aluminium ingot production capacity stands at 487,000 tons per year. The figure is planed to reach 823,000 tons by 2020.
Iran’s proven mineral reserves stand at 37 billion tons.
The official website of Iran’s Industry, Mine, and Trade Ministry names exploratory operations in aluminium and iron ore mines as the top priorities of the ministry for investments.
Aluminium and iron mines are also among the four top discovery priorities. According to the ministry, Iran daily produces 1.2 million tons of minerals.