Iran issues latest iron ore production data

Iran produced 8,212,000 metric tons of iron ore during the first five months (21.03.2007-20.08.2007) of the current Iranian year, showing an increase of nine percent compared with same period of last year - according to the latest data issued by the Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

During the five months in question, Iranian mining companies exported 1,644,000 metric tons of iron ore, representing an increase of seven and 34 percent respectively in terms of weight and value.

The Iranian authorities are expecting the production of 20 million metric tons of iron ore in the current Iranian year. Of this figure, three to five million metric tons are to be exported since Iran's domestic steel plants do not require more than 15-17 million metric tons.