Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 23
By Fatih Karimov– Trend:
Over 166,000 tons of aluminum ingots were produced in Iran in the first half of current Iranian fiscal year (March 20-Sept. 22, 2017).
The figure indicates a fall by 4 percent compared to the same period of preceding year, the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO) reported.
About 121,000 tons of alumina powder was also produced in the country during the 6-month period, 4 percent more year-on-year.
At least 19,500 tons of alumina powder and 28,600 tons of aluminum ingots were produced in the country in the sixth Iranian calendar month (Aug. 20-Sept. 22), according to the latest statistics released by Iran’s Industry Ministry.
Alumina is a refined version of the raw ore bauxite. It is typically used to make aluminum, 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 planned to reach 823,000 tons by 2020.
Iran’s proven mineral reserves stand at 37 billion tons.
Exploratory operations in aluminum and iron ore mines are the top priorities of Iran’s Industry, Mines, and Trade Ministry for investments.
Aluminum and iron mines are also among the top four discovery priorities. According to the ministry, Iran daily produces 1.2 million tons of minerals.