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The Iron Ore Industry in India

03.06.2025

 

The Iron Ore Industry in India

 

Context

In May 2025, India witnessed an 89% surge in iron ore production and sales, highlighting a strong industrial rebound and increasing infrastructure demands.

About the News

  • NMDC ( National Mineral Development Corporation ) reported an 89% rise in production in May 2025.
  • This growth reflects revived domestic demand and policy support.
  • India now has 1319 active iron ore mines across key states.
  • Odisha remains the top-producing state of iron ore in India.
  • India is home to the extraction of 87 different metallic and non-metallic minerals, with the mining sector contributing around 2.3% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the financial year 2022–23.

Characteristics

  • Iron ore is a key raw material for steel production.
  • Found in lumps, fines, and pellets with varying iron content.
  • Magnetite has ~70% Fe, the highest quality ore.
  • India is the second-largest producer of Hematite after Russia.
  • Major belts: Odisha-Jharkhand, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Goa-Maharashtra.
  • India exports to China, Japan, South Korea depending on demand.
  •  

Types of Iron

Type of Iron Ore

Chemical Formula

Colour/Appearance

Iron Content

Remarks

Magnetite

Fe₃O₄

Black, magnetic

Up to 70%

Highest iron content; excellent quality ore

Hematite

Fe₂O₃

Reddish to brown

60%–67%

Widely used in iron production

Limonite

Hydrated iron oxide

Yellow-brown, earthy

40%–60%

Lower grade; less efficient for extraction

Siderite

FeCO₃

Grey or brownish

Less than 40%

Contains impurities; often not mined commercially


 

Challenges

  • Environmental damage due to deforestation, e.g., in Goa mining areas.
  • Regulatory delays like forest clearances in Jharkhand.
  • Price fluctuations due to global demand shifts, e.g., China slowdown.
  • Logistics issues, especially in remote mining regions of Chhattisgarh.
     

Way Forward :

  • Promote eco-friendly mining, like afforestation in Odisha.
  • Use AI-based exploration to identify new reserves, e.g., by GSI.
  • Improve rail-road connectivity from mines to ports, e.g., Dedicated Freight Corridors.
  • Encourage public-private mining ventures, e.g., JSW in Karnataka.
     

Conclusion

India’s iron ore sector is vital for economic growth and industrial self-reliance. With sustainable practices and efficient governance, it can support long-term infrastructure and export goals.

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