India has substantial reserves of iron ore, making it one of the largest producers and exporters of iron ore in the world. The iron ore reserves in India are distributed across several states, with Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa being the leading producers.
Odisha:
Odisha is the largest iron ore producing state in India. The state’s iron ore reserves are mainly found in the districts of Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur. The mines in Odisha are known for high-quality iron ore with high iron content and low impurities.
Jharkhand:
This state has some of the oldest iron ore mines and is among the top producers. The main districts with iron ore deposits are Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan.
Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh’s iron ore deposits are primarily located in the districts of Dantewada, Bastar, and Kanker. The Bailadila range in Dantewada is renowned for its high-quality iron ore, which is exported to various countries.
Karnataka:
Karnataka’s iron ore reserves are mainly found in the districts of Bellary, Chitradurga, and Shimoga. The mines here produce both high-grade and low-grade ore.
Goa:
Though smaller in terms of reserves compared to other states, Goa was once a very significant exporter of iron ore. Most of the mines in Goa are open-cast and the ore is low-grade, requiring extensive processing.
India’s total iron ore reserves are estimated to be over 25 billion tonnes, though this figure can vary with new discoveries and changes in mining technology and regulations. The majority of the iron ore mined in India is used domestically for steel production, with a significant portion also being exported to countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.