The Head of the Environment Unit of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) Khorasan announced the formulation and implementation of the roadmap for achieving sustainable development and establishing green industry in this industrial complex and said: Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC), relying on scientific approaches and international standards, pursues the path towards a circular economy in a phased manner.

According to the Public Relations of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC), Javad Pakizeh, explaining the environmental actions of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC), stated: The main prerequisite for entering the path of sustainable development was the formulation of the company’s sustainability report, which was prepared and published under the title “Navaye Paydari” (Melody of Sustainability) and has been placed as the basis for the organization’s macro environmental planning.

He added: In this roadmap, the first step was the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of products, the report of which has been fully prepared. The second step is the calculation of the carbon footprint of products according to ISO 14067 standard, and the third step is the preparation of the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory in accordance with ISO 14064 standard, which is currently being implemented.

The Head of the Environment Unit of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC), stating that in the subsequent stages, the issue of material flow costing and cost-benefit analysis is pursued, clarified: The ultimate goal of these actions is the full establishment of a circular economy, reduction of resource waste, energy saving, and provision of reliable indicators for managerial decision-making.

Wastewater Management and Protection of Water Resources

Pakizeh, referring to the actions taken in the field of industrial wastewater and sewage management, said: At the concentrator plant, with the commissioning of the tailings filtration unit, approximately 20,000 tons of dry tailings are produced daily, of which over 80% of its incoming water is recycled.

He added: At the pelletizing plant, with the installation of two filter press devices and one thickener unit, the output wastewater is treated and reused. Also, for emergency situations, impermeable evaporation lagoons have been created in the 700-hectare disposal site.

The Head of the Environment Unit of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) continued: In the field of human sewage, the construction of the Taybad city sewage treatment plant is on the agenda, the treated effluent of which will be transferred to the Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) complex. Also, the creation of a centralized waste station, separation at source, reduction of waste generation, and creating economic value from waste are among the most important goals of this sector.

Prominent Pollution Reduction and Dust Control Projects

Pakizeh, referring to the spreader project for mechanized stacking of tailings, which is underway with an investment of 30 to 35 million euros, said: This project, which is being implemented for the first time in the Middle East, will play an effective role in reducing dust emissions and preventing damage to the region’s groundwater resources.

He added: In the field of air pollution control, advanced equipment such as electrostatic precipitators, bag filters, and wet scrubbers have been used, and the results of monitoring pollutants such as SO₂, NOx, and particulate matter have been within the standard range since the beginning of operation.

Online Monitoring and Development of Environmental Infrastructure

The Head of the Environment Unit of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC), referring to the commissioning of the online air pollutants monitoring system, stated: This system will be operational by the end of this year, and its information will be made available online to the Environmental Protection Organization.

He also reported on the construction of two dome-shaped storage tanks for raw materials, each with a capacity of 250,000 tons, and one 150,000-ton warehouse, and said: These infrastructures have been created with the aim of covered storage of raw materials and reduction of dust emissions.

Green Space, Waste Management, and Social Responsibility

Pakizeh, referring to the 90% progress of the Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) green space development plan, stated: Approximately 13.5 hectares of green space have been created in the complex so far, and the implementation of the commitment for 10% green space will be completed by the end of this year.

He continued: The green space planting pattern was determined in cooperation with the University of Tehran and based on the climatic conditions of the region, and low-consumption species compatible with the climate of Khaf, including olive, oleaster, yucca, and ground cover plants as alternatives to conventional turf, have been placed on the agenda.

Certifications and Green Development Plans

Referring to the acquisition and renewal of the ISO 14001 certification and the successful presence of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) in national environmental awards, he stated: Future development plans, including the 200 MW wind power plant, energy management in production lines, furnace heat recovery, and the development of mechanized rail and truck loading halls, have all been designed with an environmental impact assessment annex.

Development of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC)’s Environmental Responsibilities at Khaf County Level

He further, referring to the expansion of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC)’s environmental responsibilities at the Khaf County level, said: Alongside industrial and intra-organizational actions, Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC)’s approach is focused on playing an active role in protecting the region’s environment and attracting social participation. In this regard, the “Khaf County Environment House” has been launched with the aim of increasing public participation, receiving citizen suggestions, and raising the level of public awareness in the field of environment.

Pakizeh, referring to close cooperation with the Khaf County Environmental Protection Department, stated: A joint memorandum of understanding has been signed with this department, one of the main axes of which is the protection of valuable wildlife species of the region, including the Persian leopard and the houbara bustard.

The Head of the Environment Unit of Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) noted: The ultimate goal of these actions is to move towards creating a healthy, pollution-free, and sustainable environment for the complex’s employees and the people of Khaf County, and Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC) considers participation and interaction with the local community as a fundamental principle on this path.

He emphasized in conclusion: The path of industrial development without attention to the environment and the will of the people of the region will be an unsustainable path, and Sangan-Khorasan Steel Mining Industries Company (SSMIC)’s outlook is a long-term and responsible outlook.