Explain the significance of iron-ore as industrial raw material and describe its distribution in India.
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Hematite is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of quantity used.
Solution and Explanation
• Iron ore is the basic mineral and the backbone of industrial development.
• India is endowed with fairly abundant resources of iron ore, particularly high-grade hematite and magnetite.
Step 1: Significance of Iron Ore as Industrial Raw Material
• It is the primary raw material for the Iron and Steel industry, which provides the foundation for all other manufacturing.
• Steel produced from iron ore is used for machinery, transport equipment (ships, trains, cars), construction, and defense tools.
• It is crucial for the development of infrastructure like bridges, power plants, and railways.
• High-grade iron ore exports are a significant source of foreign exchange for India.
Step 2: Distribution of Iron Ore in India
• Odisha-Jharkhand Belt: High-grade hematite is found in Badampahar mines (Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar) in Odisha and Gua and Noamundi in Jharkhand.
• Durg-Bastar-Chandrapur Belt: Located in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Famous for the Bailadila mines which produce very high-quality hematite.
• Ballari-Chitradurga-Chikkamagaluru-Tumakuru Belt: Located in Karnataka. The Kudremukh mines are a 100 percent export unit.
• Maharashtra-Goa Belt: Includes the state of Goa and Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. These ores are exported through Marmagao port.
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