The inductance (if it is what can be called inductance in the electronics nomenclature) could be present, although in a form that is difficult to measure.
The current is eddy currents in the metal. There is some resistance, although it is small. The voltage is small.
It is AC voltage, induced by the AC flux field.
The frequency of the AC flux field may make a difference as to the heating effect.
This is where an inductance parameter might enter in.
For a test, try clipping leads to opposite ends of the pot. Send various AC frequencies through it. High frequency, low frequency. See what impedance the pot offers. See if the data yields a curve, which would indicate inductive behavior.
It's a crude experiment, and it may not tell you much. However it may lead to some insight as to what experiment to devise in order to gain more information.