INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -Brazil is the second largest exporter of iron ore in the world and is estimated to have one of the main reserves of the material. Brazilian iron ore is also of better quality, as it has a higher iron content-around 60%.

Detailed explanation-2: -In India, major economic deposits of iron ore are found associated with volcano-sedimentary Banded Iron Formation (BIF) of Pre-Cambrian Age. The major “hematite” type iron deposits are located in well defined belts in the States of Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka (Fig.

Detailed explanation-3: -Brazil’s iron ore is of the highest quality, on a par with that found in Australia’s Pilbara region. Hematite-found in the state of Para-averages a 60% grade, while itamirite-found in Minas Gerais state-averages 50% grade.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Brazilian state of Minas Gerais was the leading iron ore mine producer in Brazil in 2021, with over 225 million metric tons produced. The state of Pará followed in second, with an output of nearly 189 million tons.

Detailed explanation-5: -The highest quality and most important iron ores for steelmaking are hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).