Vajihollah Jafari said: "With regard to the definitive reserves of about 3 billion tons of iron ore, for raw materials consumption, the period of 20 to 25 years has been seen in the master plan of steel, which will not be our usual responsibility.

Jafari said: Undoubtedly, the issue of raw material shortages is considered by the ministry of industry, mining and commerce and decision makers.

"In these circumstances, we need to look for solutions such as new discoveries and the acquisition of reserves, or the provision of raw materials from abroad," he said.