27th Iranian Steel Industry Conference Opens in Kish

TEHRAN (Iran News) Organized by the Iranian Iron and Steel Association, the three-day event — held at the Kish International Convention Center — aims to foster collaboration between the country’s steel industry professionals, academic researchers, and postgraduate students. Participants will exchange insights, share research findings, and address technical and operational challenges in the industry.

The conference is supported by major steel companies and academic institutions and seeks to strengthen ties between industry and academia to drive innovation, problem-solving, and sustainable development within Iran’s steel sector.

Mahshid Kharazieh Esfahani, the conference’s Scientific Secretary, announced that organizers had received 360 research papers and technical reports, of which 92 were selected as research papers, 10 as industry reports, and 104 for poster presentations.

She said that 30 outstanding papers would be presented in specialized sessions and expert panels over the three days.

“At the conclusion of the conference,” Kharazieh Esfahani noted, “awards will be presented to the ‘Steel Person of the Year’, leading innovators, and top steel companies for their best green steel projects of the past year.”

This year’s event is centered on the theme “The Role of Industrial Revolutions 4.0 and 5.0 and Artificial Intelligence in Green Steel Production.” Discussions will address national policy frameworks, new manufacturing technologies, process modernization, and strategies to overcome production barriers.

She added that experts will also explore AI integration, energy management, and circular economy models, emphasizing how technological transformation can lead to cleaner, more efficient, and competitive steel production.

The conference will serve as a forum for industry leaders and researchers to present the latest scientific, technological, and operational advancements in steelmaking, while identifying policy and investment needs for the future.

In his address, Abbas Najafizadeh, Chairman of the Iranian Iron and Steel Association, urged policymakers and industrial leaders to focus not only on solving current challenges but also on strategic planning for the future of the sector.

“With 275 major production units, the steel industry plays a vital role in Iran’s economic growth and employment,” he said. “We must plan the future of this industry logically and in alignment with global technological trends.”

He highlighted Iran’s 10th-place ranking in global steel production, 6th in iron ore extraction, and 7th in iron ore reserves, with 3.8 billion tons of proven reserves and 1.5 billion tons of producible iron.

“At the current rate of extraction, the world’s iron reserves will last about 70 years, but Iran’s will last 90 years. If our steel output reaches 50 million tons per year, we still have a 32-year production window,” Najafizadeh said.

He emphasized the need to invest in green steel technologies, scrap-based production, and integration of production units to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Najafizadeh warned that without adaptation, Iran’s steel exports could face economic and regulatory barriers. “The global steel trade is entering a new era dominated by carbon border taxes and low-carbon production requirements,” he said. “To remain competitive, Iran must start training auditors and consultants specialized in green steel certification.”

He also called for the creation of a national carbon exchange and stronger government participation in green steel initiatives. “Supportive legislation, government procurement of green steel products, and the establishment of a carbon pricing system are no longer optional — they are essential,” he stated.

According to Najafizadeh, Iran’s steel industry has transitioned from the fourth industrial revolution to the fifth, and it is time to implement AI-driven solutions for smart production. “We should learn from leading nations that have already made progress in sustainable steelmaking,” he added.

Alongside the conference, an industrial exhibition featuring 235 domestic and 15 international companies is being held at the Kish International Exhibition Center.