The CEO of SSMIC announced the implementation of technological projects and international collaborations aimed at expanding production, saving water and energy, and enhancing factory digitalization. He stated that, relying on domestic expertise and the participation of knowledge-based companies, Iran has for the first time succeeded in manufacturing an online iron ore concentrate moisture meter—an innovation that can significantly improve the quality of pelletizing in the country.

According to the Public Relations Department, SSMIC, as one of the most important links in Iran’s steel production chain, has vigorously pursued technological development and modernization in recent years. The company’s participation in the 27th Kish Steel Symposium provided an opportunity to showcase its latest technological achievements, international collaborations, and innovative actions in localization and process digitalization.

Ali Rasoulian, CEO of SSMIC, highlighted the valuable outcomes of cooperation with Chinese companies and support for domestic knowledge-based enterprises, positioning SSMIC among the country’s most advanced industrial organizations. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Sangan region, which hosts one of the largest iron ore reserves in Iran and the Middle East, and noted its potential to become a major mining hub.

Rasoulian explained: “In today’s world, the rapid pace of technological growth requires steel industries to adapt in order to survive and compete. We concluded that part of the country’s technological needs can be met through targeted cooperation with industrial nations, particularly China. Our negotiations, supported by the Iranian ambassador in Beijing, yielded highly positive results.”

He outlined three key areas of cooperation:

• Completion of sections of the concentrate plant requiring foreign technology
• Development of filter press systems to save water
• Smart production line projects to reduce costs and energy consumption

All three negotiations have reached operational outcomes, with tangible effects expected soon. Alongside these international collaborations, Rasoulian stressed the importance of supporting domestic knowledge-based companies, many of which have achieved remarkable innovations.

Launch of the Online Moisture Meter: A Step Toward Localization

Rasoulian announced the unveiling of a groundbreaking achievement: “At the symposium, we introduced a device built for the first time in Iran. This non-contact online moisture meter for iron ore concentrate uses waves to measure moisture in real time and report it to operators. Previously, moisture measurement was manual and laboratory-based, causing delays and reduced pellet quality.”

He added: “This technology ensures precise moisture control before concentrate enters the pelletizing line, thereby improving final product quality. Each device is valued at approximately 20 billion rials, and every steel production line requires at least 12 units. The foreign currency savings from localizing this technology are therefore significant.”

The device was developed by an Iranian knowledge-based company, fully supported by SSMIC. Eleven units are currently being produced for SSMIC, and notably, the performance of this domestic device surpasses its foreign counterparts, with full localization achievable in Iran. Rasoulian concluded: “Although the project initially faced challenges such as lens procurement from abroad, we maintained our commitment and gave the company time to deliver high-quality results. Today, we are proud to have produced one of the steel industry’s strategic technologies domestically.”