- Source: Iron ore is used to produce metallic iron.
- Distribution: India has significant reserves of iron ore, with Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka being major producers.
- Types of Iron Ore:
- Magnetite (high iron content).
- Hematite (most important industrial ore).
- Limonite (low-grade).
- Siderite (contains iron and carbon).
- Iron Ore Distribution in India:
- Top Producers:
| State | Percentage |
| Odisha | Largest producer (55% of production). |
| Chhattisgarh | 17% production. |
| Karnataka | 14% production. |
| Jharkhand | 11% production. |
- Notable Iron Ore Regions:
- Karnataka: Chikmagalur (high-grade iron), Bellary-Hospet (high-grade haematite and magnetite).
- Odisha: Rich in hematite, located in Barabil-Koira Valley.
- Chhattisgarh: Bailadila and Dalli Rajhara have high-grade iron ore.
- Iron Ore Exports:
- India exports 50-60% of its iron ore to countries like Japan, Korea, and Europe.
- Key Ports for Export: Vishakhapatnam, Paradip, Marmagao, Mangalore.
- Challenges Faced by Iron Ore Mining in India:
- Lack of mechanization and infrastructure.
- Financial, human resource, and environmental challenges.
- Trade policy and global economic slowdown impact exports.
