Iran Plans to Boost Crude Steel Production

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Industries and Mining Minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian said his country’s crude steel production capacity will reach 15.5 million tons by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (ending March 20, 2009).

Mehrabian made the statement at the opening ceremony of the Ardakan palletizing steel production plant.

“Last year we produced 10.5 million tons while we annually need 20 million tons of steel for local consumption within the country,” he said.

The minister also expressed hope that with the installation of future plants the country would reach self sufficiency soon.