Mr Khaled Alqodeiri delegated member and VP of board of directors of Folad Company as saying that his company is currently planning to build the largest sponge iron mill in the gulf region with cost estimated this mill will be integrated with its current mills in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Mr Alqodeiri hinted that this mill is part of an expansion project for its steelworks in Alhad region including rebar and sponge iron production abbreviated as DRI via direct reduction process, clarifying that his company aims eyes the Kingdom as its Middle East operations center.

Mr Alqodeiri said that we are cooperating with two Japanese companies; two of the world's biggest producers of iron and steel. Our mill will be equipped by the most recent electronic devices for steel production processes.

He said that such as project which is waiting needed licenses from the trade and industry ministry, comes to cover the increasing demand on steel, hinting out Qatar has now commenced major projects in preparation for the 2022 World Cup event, commenting focus will be centered on the GCC countries which import about 4 million tonne of these products per year, as soon as the production starts we will target these markets our mill is going to be the first in the gulf region.

He called GCC countries to encourage the local steel industry in order to meet the increasing demand, pointing out that Industrial Gulf company for Investment" has plans for expansion but it's waiting the governmental support and facilitations from gulf countries to launch expansion operations.

(Sourced from Arab Steel)