Iran Mines & Mineral Industries Development & Renovation Organisation (Imidro) has issued a tender for the first two units of its Kahnuj pigment complex.

A second tender, for the pigment processing plant, will be issued in the new Iranian year after 21 March (MEED 4:8:06).

The current tender covers a beneficiation plant with capacity of 130,000 tonnes a year (t/y) and a slag processing unit with capacity of 70,000 t/y, which will feed a 50,000-t/y pigment plant. Bids are due by 3 March, but the deadline could be extended.

The technology for the pigment plant is more complex, and there is a concern that the difficult international situation could deter foreign companies from bidding. Imidro has pushed back the date for issuing a tender. Output from the plant will be used domestically for the production of paint, polymers, printing ink, textile dye and in the aviation industry.

Kar Azin Consulting Engineering Company is the project consultant.