Iraq lifts scrap metal ban, restores crucial supply route to Kurdistan Region

BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities have lifted a temporary ban on the transport of scrap metal to the Kurdistan Region, reversing restrictions that stalled shipments for about 60 days and disrupted hundreds of jobs, according to Kurdish lawmaker Srwa Mohammed Rashid.

“After being informed of the restriction on scrap metal imports to the Kurdistan Region, I contacted the commander of joint operations, and now the route has been reopened for drivers,” Rashid said in a Facebook post. She cautioned that “the relevant authorities have been notified that, by a decision of the Council of Ministers, the import of scrap metal to the Kurdistan Region is permitted, and any party that attempts to delay this process will face legal consequences through the Integrity Commission and the judiciary.”

An official document from the General Secretariat of Iraq’s Council of Ministers confirms that the commander of joint operations has been instructed to enforce Article 11 of Resolution No. 24150 of 2024. The resolution permits the transport of scrap metal across all governorates, including shipments headed to the Kurdistan Region.

For nearly two months, scrap metal trucks were blocked at checkpoints controlled by the Iraqi Army, according to scrapyard owner Rebin Khalil. Khalil, who operates a yard in Kifri that collects scrap before sending it to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, told 964media that “it’s been approximately 60 days since the checkpoints controlled by the Iraqi Army have blocked the crossing of scrap metal shipments to Kifri.” He said up to 60 lorries a day previously passed through, and more than 500 people working in local scrapyards were affected. “Yesterday, we protested against the blockade. We hope the issue will be resolved permanently.”

Kifri Mayor Sahir Ali told 964media that authorities with the Salah al-Din Joint Command cited multiple reasons for barring the shipments. “Sometimes they claim the checkpoints don’t have sonar checks for lorries, other times they say the Qori Al-Shay bridge cannot support heavy trucks, and at times they argue the lorries lack a permit from the Ministry of Industry.”

The Qori Al-Shay bridge connects the Kirkuk and Salah al-Din governorates between the districts of Daquq and Tuz Khurmatu. Ali said the lorries typically pass multiple checkpoints equipped with sonar devices before reaching the blockade, emphasizing that the Council of Ministers has issued a clear directive to allow the shipments to continue.

The decision to lift the ban follows a Feb. 22, 2024, visit by Iraq’s minister of trade and industry to Sulaymaniyah, where local Chamber of Commerce representatives requested the removal of restrictions on scrap metal and other iron products. “One of the main challenges for iron and steel factories in the Sulaymaniyah area was the restriction on scrap metal imports, which led to production disruptions,” said Zryan Mohammed, spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah Chamber of Commerce. He confirmed the ban has been formally lifted.

According to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s General Directorate of Industry, nearly 20 iron and glass factories — not counting facilities specializing in aluminum and copper — operate in the Kurdistan Region. Officials say these factories can supply glass and steel products to meet local demand and up to 70% of Iraq’s market.