According to the Public Relations Department of SSMIC, Seyed Javad Ahmadi, Deputy of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, led a specialized delegation to visit the company’s pelletizing and concentrate plants, development projects, crusher facilities, and ore transfer lines.

Ali Rasoulian, CEO of SSMIC, welcomed the delegation and honored the memory of martyrs of the nuclear sector. He stated: “SSMIC operates pelletizing and concentrate plants, each with an annual production capacity of five million tons. With the presence of Mobarakeh Steel Company and the dedicated efforts of our colleagues, SSMIC is the largest industrial unit in the mining region of Sangan, Khorasan Razavi.”

Rasoulian emphasized that SSMIC is on the path of development, aiming to play an effective role in all areas including extraction, mining, transfer, and processing, thereby completing a vital part of the steel value chain. He added: “The Sangan iron ore mines, with reserves exceeding 1.2 billion tons, are the largest in eastern Iran, and with more precise exploration, estimates approach two billion tons.”

He noted that ongoing projects by the private sector, IMIDRO, and the Atomic Energy Organization indicate promising results and a different future for the region. Addressing current challenges, Rasoulian mentioned issues in infrastructure, rail and road transport, water and electricity supply. He highlighted ongoing efforts to secure electricity and the water transfer project from Taybad, expressing hope that part of the treated urban wastewater would reach SSMIC by February.

On road transport, Rasoulian explained that 250 of 500 purchased trucks are already operational, aiming to establish a capable transport company for product logistics. In mining, he acknowledged imbalances and shortages, noting that SSMIC has purchased drilling machinery to participate in extraction, meeting both its own needs and those of other steel units in the region. He also highlighted the construction of a 2.5-million-ton hematite concentrate plant as a significant project, pursued with seriousness due to its importance in utilizing regional mineral resources.

Rasoulian concluded by mentioning SSMIC’s unique mechanized tailings storage project, valued at over €20 million, unprecedented in the region. He expressed hope that with the implementation of around 24 projects worth more than 200 trillion rials, comprehensive development in the region would be achieved.

Following the visit, Seyed Javad Ahmadi expressed his satisfaction with the company’s achievements and praised its workforce. He stated: “Sangan has immense potential to contribute to industrial development in Iran and Khorasan Razavi. With its mining conditions and latent capacities, the province is well-positioned for further growth.”

Ahmadi added: “We have a history of cooperation with Mobarakeh Steel Company, and we are ready to establish an active mining consortium in this province under the leadership of SSMIC.”

He explained that the Atomic Energy Organization’s participatory model, aligned with its mission, aims to produce 20,000 MW of nuclear power within a specific timeframe, as outlined in the organization’s comprehensive plan. Some of these projects are already underway across the country, with site selection completed for an additional 17,000 MW.

In conclusion, Ahmadi highlighted the country’s capacity-building efforts, noting: “Through this participatory model and leveraging reputable mining companies, we have accelerated exploration. In recent years, the number of agreements and active entities has grown from 4 to over 180, showing continuous progress since the Islamic Revolution.”