Speaker: Development of steel, copper industries to diversify national economy
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf emphasized the need to support the development of steel and copper industries to move Iran away from a single-product economy.
However, he cautioned that planning must ensure energy balance, as energy shortages are detrimental to both producers and the public, IRNA reported.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration ceremony of two development projects of alloy steel in central province of Yazd, Qalibaf noted that establishing and developing industries like alloy steel requires significant effort, but their benefits to the country are undeniable.
He praised the role of skilled labor forces and technology-based companies in utilizing domestic capacities to bring these plants and other units into operation.
Qalibaf pointed out that Iran’s use of coal for electricity production is nearly zero, compared to the global average of 33%. Additionally, 68% of Iran’s steel exports consist of crude steel, far above the global average of 15%.
The Parliament speaker stressed that development must not come at the expense of the environment, noting that some cities in Yazd province rank among the most polluted in the country.
He warned that the growing technological gap between Iran’s industries and global standards could soon render many domestic products unexportable.
Qalibaf acknowledged the legislative efforts of the Parliament in areas such as financing and energy sector reforms to better utilize domestic capacities.
The Alloy Steel Company of Yazd, located 25 kilometers northwest of Yazd, has a production capacity of 700,000 to 1 million tons of steel ingots and alloy billets.
The 300-hectare facility, equipped with advanced technology including a 100-ton electric arc furnace and a continuous casting station, was constructed with an investment of 185 million euros which created 800 direct jobs.
Steel industry reaches 2025 target
Meanwhile, Industry, Mine, and Trade Minister Mohammad Atabak announced that Iran’s steel industry has achieved its 2025 goals, marking a significant milestone.
Speaking Thursday at the inauguration of projects in the Gol Gohar mining and industrial region in Sirjan, Atabak noted that Iran once produced less than 2 million tons of steel annually, without a complete industrial chain. Today, the industry has reached international standards, thanks to the dedication of producers across the country, even in remote and challenging areas.
Atabak emphasized that the only sustainable revenue for the country comes from production within the economic cycle.
The minister pointed out that one of the newly launched projects, a 183-megawatt power plant, will help address energy imbalances not only for Gol Gohar but also for the country.
He said President Masoud Pezeshkian holds two to three meetings weekly to address energy shortages and promote the construction of power plants, particularly solar facilities.
Atabak noted that Kerman Province has significant advantages beyond its active mines, including rare elements that could further boost exploration efforts.
He urged large companies like Gol Gohar to invest in small- and medium-sized industries, emphasizing that economic growth and job creation in downstream industries must be strengthened. Outsourcing, he added, could help generate wealth in the vast southern province.
Gol Gohar has recently made strides in deep-earth exploration, uncovering new elements that could benefit both Kerman and the country.
Atabak concluded by stressing the importance of leveraging Iran’s mining advantages to support small industries and foster economic development.