OREANDA-NEWS. The International Iron Metallics Association (IIMA) held governing body elections during its annual general meeting in the US. Christian Hempel (Hempel Metallurgical, Germany) retained his President post, while Yuri Mishin, Adviser on Industrial Policy at Metalloinvest, and Colin Bartet of Outotec were elected Vice Presidents.

IIMA brings together companies specialising in manufacturing of, and application of metallurgical resources to, steel smelting and refining: HBI, DRI and merchant pig iron producers, those who consume these products, raw materials suppliers, specialised trading and transport companies and engineering firms.

IIMA is actively working to expand usage of DRI products and merchant pig iron in steelmaking. The Association conducts research and prepares analytics on advantages of HBI and pig iron and provides a platform for establishing contacts and networking between producers and consumers.

Yuri Mishin, Adviser on Industrial Policy at Metalloinvest, commented: “For the first time, a representative of the Russian Federation was elected to a leading role of such a reputable international organisation. This highlights the strong reputation of the Company and its employees in the international professional environment.”

IIMA currently has over 100 members from 36 countries, including Rio Tinto, Metalloinvest, Vale, LKAB, Kumba, Cliffs Natural Resources, Samarco, Kobe, Nucor, Seel Dynamics Inc, Gerdau, Metinvest, Tenova, Outotec, Siemens and other companies.