Iran launches its first titanium concentrate plant in Kerman
Iran inaugurated its first titanium concentrate plant in Kerman Province via video conference on Thursday, with President Masoud Pezeshkian presiding.
The Kahnuj Titanium Concentrate Plant, holding into proven reserves of 150 million tons, represents the first operational unit of the project.
Constructed at a cost of 30 trillion rials (approximately $51.7 million), it will create 1,100 jobs and meet the majority of Iran's titanium demand, particularly for the domestic dyeing industry.
Two more units are planned for this year, with an annual production capacity of 130,000 tons.
During the online conference, Pezeshkian called for the continuation of its second and third phases to achieve alloy steel production.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Atabak also characterized the project as unique, stating, "This project is one of the unique factories established for the first time in the country."
"This plant will establish the first link in the titanium processing chain and part of the strategic titanium chain for the country, including the production of colorants and pigments," he added
The minister described entering the operational cycle of such plants as a factor in reducing raw material sales and creating value chains for wealth generation in the mineral industries sector.
He expressed hope that subsequent phases would achieve success in producing concentrate for alloy steel, noting it would continue in two additional phases.
Import substitution objectives
The minister emphasized that pigment is essential for domestic dyeing and paint production, expressing confidence that establishing such factories would halt “the outflow of foreign currency.”
He noted the complex would create direct employment for 300 people and indirect employment for 800 people, adding, "The titanium plant will achieve alloy steel production in later stages, providing significant support to the industry."
Public-private partnership model
Atabak also highlighted that this complex is "a prominent example of government cooperation with the private sector.”
“IMIDRO (the Iranian Mines & Mining Industries Development & Renovation Organization) made the mines available to the private sector, which then utilized its technology and expertise to bring the plant to fruition."
He specified, "The titanium mine spans 40 square kilometers with proven reserves of 150 million tons and potential reserves possibly reaching 250 million tons."
"The localization of this expertise by the private sector has been successfully accomplished. These strategic reserves can be converted into commercial reserves, with benefits accruing to local communities," the Minister added.
According to IRNA, this mine in Kahnuj county constitutes the largest titanium reserve in Iran and West Asia. The plant commenced operations with an annual production capacity of 130,000 tons at 45% grade.
Meanwhile during the minister’s visit to Kerman on Wednesday, two mining projects were inaugurated and launched. The simultaneous copper and zinc production plant in Jiroft was inaugurated with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons of copper and 10,000 tons of zinc.
South Kerman IMT officials confirmed this plant is the country's first private-sector copper and zinc concentrate processing unit, established on 25 hectares of land and generating direct/indirect employment for 700 people.
The operational implementation of the power transmission line project to the Sarduieh mines in Jiroft, as the largest infrastructure project of the IMIDRO in the field of electricity supply, also began Wednesday.