IRNA � Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Shariatmadari said that Iran�s steel production capacity has increased from 122 million tons to over 200 million tons since the Government of Hope and Prudence came to power in 2013.


The 80-ton increase indicates the high capabilities of Iranian engineers and experts, he said.

Addressing inaugural ceremony of concentration and pelletizing plant of Southeast Steel Mill Industry and Mine Complex in Siriz, Zarand, he added, �Without exaggeration, we have final say in the world in terms of producing sponge iron.�

Creating more value-added, further productivity, employment and using youth�s innovation and creativity in various fields are among the achievements of such projects, he said.

The concentration and pelletizing plant with a capacity of one million tons will be implemented by the private sector in an area of 50 hectares.