Iran’s aluminum output up by 24% in 10 months to late January

　　Iran has reported a significant surge in aluminum output in the current calendar year as the country continues to enjoy higher activity in its metals and mining sector.

　　Figures published on Wednesday by Iran’s state-run metals and mining holding IMIDRO showed that aluminum production by major Iranian smelters had reached over 0.453 million metric tons (mt) in the 10 months to January 20.

　　The figure was an increase of 24% from the similar period in 2021, said the IMIDRO report.

　　A breakdown of output figures showed that South Aluminum Corporation (Salco) had been responsible for the largest share of production at over 0.149 million mt, followed closely by Iranian Aluminium Company (Iralco) at just over 0.148 million mt and Almahdi Aluminum Co. (Almahdi) at over 0.124 million mt.

　　However, IMIDRO figures showed that Iran’s alumina powder output declined slightly in the 10 months to late January to more than 0.193 million mt.

　　That comes as aluminum bauxite production rose by 13% year on year in March-January to nearly 0.768 million mt, showed the figures.

　　Iran Alumina Company is the sole producer of alumina powder and aluminum bauxite in Iran. The company’s aluminum ingot output reached over 0.031 million mt in the 10 months to late January, said IMIDRO.

　　Iran has been enjoying increased output and exports of metals since 2018 when the United States imposed sanctions on the country’s exports of crude oil.

　　Washington imposed similar sanctions on Iran’s trade of metals in 2019 but the bans have largely failed as the Iranian government has reported consecutive periods of growth for the sector over the past three years.