Hojjat MirAsadi – Engineering Manager, SSMIC Plant

Strategic Approach to R&D Structure Enhancement
Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) has launched a wide-ranging initiative in 2024 to enhance its research and development structure, guided by a strategic outlook toward the future. With the goal of drafting a comprehensive organizational development roadmap—both in terms of products and projects—the company has adopted a targeted innovation approach. The implementation of an innovation management system, alignment with ISO 56000 standards, and efforts to institutionalize an R&D culture are among the critical steps taken to boost SSMIC’s competitive advantage. These actions not only pave the way for internal advancement but also position SSMIC as a model for sustainable development within the national steel industry.

Targeted Pelletizing Through Localized, Knowledge-Based Design
One of the company’s most prominent achievements this year has been the development of national expertise in redesigning and simulating the induration furnace area within the pelletizing plant. Entirely carried out domestically, this initiative leverages the capabilities of local university professors and engineers. The aim is to improve both the quantity and quality of pellet production while optimizing the induration process. The success of this project marks a major step toward reducing dependency on foreign technologies and strengthening the knowledge-based infrastructure of the national steel industry. SSMIC has clearly shown that achieving sustainable productivity requires putting knowledge at the core of its operations.

Foreign Currency Savings Through Locally Built Technological Instruments
The design, construction, and commissioning of 11 inline contact-type moisture meters is another intelligent step taken by SSMIC in 2024. These precision instruments enable real-time quality monitoring of the production process and have ensured continuous process optimization through their reliable performance. Notably, the localization of this technology has prevented approximately $130,000 in foreign currency outflow. This milestone is a concrete example of foreign currency savings and highlights SSMIC’s effective progress toward technological self-sufficiency, while also supporting local knowledge and infrastructure development.

Advancing Toward Digital Transformation in Production Lines
In pursuit of enhanced industrial automation and smarter production processes, SSMIC has signed multiple agreements and contracts this year in the realm of digital transformation. The objective is to raise the technological standards of its production lines, optimize equipment performance, and improve data monitoring accuracy. The successful implementation of these projects will reduce human error and lay the foundation for intelligent, flexible manufacturing. With active involvement in digital transformation, SSMIC now stands at the forefront of Iran’s leading industrial enterprises.

Upgrading Concentrate Quality by Targeting Sulfur Reduction
One of the key ongoing projects at SSMIC in 2024 is the optimization of the flotation circuit in the concentrate plant. This initiative aims to achieve at least a 20% reduction in sulfur content in the produced iron ore concentrate, which plays a critical role in improving final product quality. Sulfur is considered a detrimental element in steelmaking and should be eliminated as much as possible from the production chain. Consequently, this project could significantly enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase the product’s economic value. It reflects SSMIC’s strong commitment to quality improvement and environmental compliance. The production line’s operations team has also provided valuable collaboration to support the R&D mission in this regard.

Environmental Perspective as a Priority in Future-Oriented Projects
SSMIC has responsibly initiated in-depth studies and feasibility assessments in the environmental domain. One of the key projects involves removing sulfur emissions from the pelletizing stack, which is expected to play a substantial role in reducing gas pollutants. Additionally, the green stabilization of concentrate tailings using 4G biopolymer derived from guar gum is an innovative and rare initiative in Iran’s mining sector. These projects are not only beneficial to the environment but also exemplify the company’s integration of eco-friendly technologies, marking a strong step toward corporate social responsibility.

Innovative Technologies for Efficient Water Usage
In the country’s arid and semi-arid climate, efficient water management in large industries is of strategic importance. Recognizing this necessity, SSMIC has initiated a forward-thinking project to improve cooling tower efficiency across its production plants. By leveraging advanced technologies and optimizing technical structures, the initiative is set to significantly reduce water consumption. With such an approach, SSMIC not only advances sustainable development but also serves as a responsible role model for other industries. Foresight and adoption of green technologies have become inseparable from the company’s strategic direction.

SSMIC, a Pioneer in Knowledge-Based Production
Technical and specialized reports released in 2024 reveal that SSMIC has a clear plan to become one of the country’s leading knowledge-based production hubs. By implementing cutting-edge projects and relying on domestic expertise, the company has demonstrated that even amid economic and technical challenges, progress is achievable. Innovation at SSMIC is no longer just a slogan; it has become an institutionalized process at all levels. This trend not only ensures sustainable profitability but also contributes significantly to the country’s industrial and economic security.

Extensive Engagement with Universities and Research Centers
One of SSMIC’s greatest strengths in recent years has been its constructive collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations across the country. This two-way engagement has ensured that R&D projects are carried out with scientific rigor and solid backing. At the same time, top academic talents have found opportunities to apply their abilities in an industrial setting. This effective synergy between science and industry is the key to innovation, technology localization, and boosting the country’s global competitiveness. SSMIC has fully understood the value of this collaboration and placed it at the heart of its development agenda.

Purposeful Development Over Superficial Growth
What sets SSMIC apart from some other companies is its pursuit of depth and effectiveness in development—not mere appearances or promotional claims. From localizing precision tools to optimizing processes, and from implementing environmental initiatives to driving digital transformation, every action is grounded in study, genuine need, and concrete deliverables. This principled approach has kept the company focused on high-impact, result-driven efforts. In today’s competitive environment, such a strategy is the only sustainable path to long-term industrial relevance and socio-economic value creation.

Synergy Between Technology and the Environment: SSMIC’s Winning Formula
A review of projects underway in 2024 shows that SSMIC has rightly grasped the significance of synergy between modern technologies and environmental approaches. Projects such as green tailings stabilization and sulfur emission reduction are clear examples of this successful integration. The use of biopolymers, social responsibility, and technological advancement are all visible in these initiatives. This multi-faceted and holistic perspective ensures that development is not merely about increased output but a balance of productivity, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

A Future Outlook Grounded in Systematic Innovation
Ultimately, SSMIC’s future vision is built on the systematic establishment of innovation, integrated knowledge management, and the path toward digitization and intelligent operations. Drafting an organizational development roadmap, fostering an R&D culture, and utilizing novel technologies are all vital links in this progress chain. Relying on capable human capital, local knowledge, and academic partnerships, SSMIC is confidently moving forward. What is clear is that a bright future awaits the company—one in which SSMIC will not only be a leading producer but also a key player in the country’s sustainable development.