Home   »   Geography   »   Iron Ore

Iron Ore, Types, Uses, Distribution in India and in World Map

Tata Steel Ltd. has operationalised an all-woman shift (India’s first) at its Noamundi Iron Mine reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment.

Noamundi Mine
  • Noamundi is located in West Singhbhum district of It is famous for the mining and export of world-class haematite iron ore.
  • The Noamundi fields are owned by the TATA Iron and Steel Industry.

Iron Ore

Iron ore is the most important metallic ore. It is known as the backbone of modern civilization. Many industries depend on iron, and hence it is also known as the fundamentals of all industries.

Iron Ore is a naturally occurring solid material from which valuable minerals are extracted for commercial use. Iron ores are rocks and minerals that can be economically extracted to produce metallic iron. They are generally rich in iron oxides. They come in various colours such as dark grey, bright yellow, rusty red, deep purple, etc.

Iron Ore Types

  • Magnetite (FE3O4): This is a high-quality ore with about 70% iron. It’s black and magnetic.
  • Haematite (FE2O3): This reddish ore has 60-70% iron.
  • Limonite: This yellowish ore contains 40-60% iron.
  • Siderite: This ore has less than 40% iron and many impurities, making it often not worth mining.
Facts about Iron Ores
  • Haematite and magnetite are the most important iron ores in India.
  • About 79% haematite ore deposits are found in the Eastern Sector (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh).
  • About 93% magnetite ore deposits occur in the Southern Sector (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu).
    • Karnataka contributes around 70% of India’s magnetite deposits.
  • Top Iron Ore producing counties: (1) Australia (2) Brazil (3) China (4) India.
  • Top 3 Iron-ore producing states of India:  (1) Odisha (2) Karnataka (3) Chhattisgarh.

Iron Ore Distribution Map

Map showing the location of Iron Ore Mines in India. Iron Ore mines are found in different regions of India.Iron Ore Map

Iron Ore Distribution in India

India is projected to remain a leading global iron ore producer, with production levels between 180 to 200 million tonnes. Important states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Jharkhand will continue to drive production, with Odisha contributing over half of the total. Hematite remains the dominant type of iron ore, with magnetite also mined in the south.

Investments in mining infrastructure and technology are expected to boost efficiency and sustainability, supported by government initiatives. Future trends indicate that government policies, such as the National Mineral Policy, will support higher domestic steel production and iron ore output.

  • India’s Iron Ore:
    • Main types: Hematite and Magnetite.
    • Most mines are near coal fields in the northeastern plateau region.
    • states: Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (95% of reserves).
  • Odisha:
    • Iron ore in Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, and Jhar hill ranges.
  • Jharkhand:
    • Oldest mines and many iron and steel plants.
    • Important mines: Noamundi and Gua in Poorbi and Pashchimi Singhbhum districts.
    • Extends to Durg, Dantewara, and Bailadila.
  • Karnataka:
    • Iron ore in Sandur-Hospet area (Ballari district), Baba Budan hills, Kudremukh area (Chikkamagaluru district), and parts of Shivamogga, Chitradurg, and Tumakuru districts.
  • Other Locations:
    • Maharashtra: Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Ratnagiri districts.
    • Telangana: Karimnagar and Warangal districts.
    • Andhra Pradesh: Kurnool, Cuddapah, and Anantapur districts.
    • Tamil Nadu: Salem and Nilgiris districts.
    • Goa: Major producer of iron ore.

Top Iron Mines of India

  • Bailadila Mines – Chhattisgarh
  • Balda Mines – Odisha
  • Joda Mines – Odisha
  • Noamudi Mine – Jharkhand
Significant Iron Ore Reserves Discovered in Rajasthan’s Karauli District
  • Large iron ore reserves found in Karauli district, near Hindon, Rajasthan.
  • Over 840 million tonnes of iron ore in areas like Khoda, Dadaroli, Todupura, and Liloti.
  • Both magnetite and hematite types discovered across 1,888 hectares.
  • Blocks will be auctioned to boost industry and create jobs.
  • Opens up more exploration and investment in steel, cement, and related industries.
  • Rajasthan is becoming a key player in India’s mineral resources, with ongoing exploration suggesting more potential.
  • Iron ore will play a crucial role in Rajasthan’s industrial growth, positively impacting the state’s economy.

Iron Ore Distribution in World

Iron ore is produced in approximately 60 countries worldwide. Iron ore is primarily produced in China, Brazil, Australia, India, Russia, Ukraine, the United States, South Africa, Canada, Sweden, etc. Australia is the world’s largest producer, followed by Brazil and China.

Iron Ore

Country Regions
Australia Western Australia, Iron knob in South Australia
Brazil Minas Gerais
China Manchurian deposits at Anshan, Yangtze valley, Hopei
USA Lake Superior region, Adirondacks, Alabama, Nevada, California.
Canada Labrador, Quebec, British Columbia.
France Lorraine, Normandy
India Orissa, Jharkhand
South Africa Postmasburg, Thabazimbi
Peru Nazca Marcona

Iron Ore Uses

Iron ore is an important raw material for the production of steel, which is used in various industries for various purposes. Some of the main uses of iron ore include:

  • Steel Production: Iron ore is the main ingredient in the production of steel, which is used in construction, transportation, machinery, and various other industries.
  • Infrastructure Development: Steel is a main component in the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure, making iron ore a crucial resource for infrastructure development.
  • Automotive Industry: Steel is a main component in the production of cars and other vehicles, making iron ore an important raw material for the automotive industry.
  • Energy Production: Iron ore is used in the production of iron and steel, which is used in power plants and other energy-generating facilities to produce energy.
  • Machinery and Equipment: Steel is used in the production of a vast range of machinery and equipment, including agricultural equipment, mining equipment, and construction equipment, making iron ore an important resource for these industries.
  • Household Goods: Steel is used in the production of various household goods, including appliances, cookware, and furniture, making iron ore a crucial resource for these industries.

Iron Ore UPSC

The majority of iron ore is used to produce iron, which is then used to produce steel. Steel production accounts for 98% of all iron ore mined today. Staples, automobiles, steel beams used in building construction, and just about anything else that requires iron and steel fall into this category. Industry, construction, all modes of transportation, utensils and household items, electronic devices, and so on.

There are approximately 9,602 million tonnes of recoverable hematite reserves and 3,408 million tonnes of recoverable magnetite reserves of iron ore in India. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Odisha, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu are the top iron ore producers in India. This article will explain Iron Ore, which will help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Service Exam in Geography.

Related Articles
Cobalt Ore Manganese Ore
Copper Ore Aluminium Ore
Nickel Ore Chromium Ore

Sharing is caring!

FAQs

What is iron ore used for?

The majority of iron ore (98%) is used to make steel.

Where is iron ore mostly found?

The most important iron ores in India are hematite and magnetite. The Eastern Sector (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh) has 79% of the haematite ore deposits, while the Southern Sector has 93% of the magnetite ore deposits (Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, & Tamil Nadu).

Which state is the largest producer of iron ore in India?

Odisha is India's leading producer of iron ore. It accounts for more than 55% of total production, with Chhattisgarh producing nearly 17%. Karnataka and Jharkhand come in second and third, with 14% and 11%, respectively.

Which is the first iron ore mine in India?

Gorumahisani

Who buys iron ore in India?

China, According to trade sources, is the largest buyer of iron ore (both low grade and high grade) from India, having purchased 21 million tonnes of iron ore and concentrates last fiscal year.

Which country is the largest producer of iron ore?

Australia is the world's leading producer of iron ore, accounting for 35% of total output. The top three iron ore producers accounted for 65% of global output.

TOPICS: