Iron ore is one of the most essential minerals in the world. It serves as the backbone of the steel industry. India, rich in iron ore reserves, plays a crucial role in global iron ore production. The country is home to various types of iron ores. These include hematite, magnetite, limonite, and siderite. Each type differs in iron content and industrial applications. With its vast deposits, India ranks among the top producers. The country supports domestic steel manufacturing and contributes significantly to exports. This article explores the different types of iron ore found in India, their properties, mining processes, and production trends.
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What is Iron Ore?
Iron ore is a type of rock that contains minerals such as hematite, magnetite, and taconite, which are used to produce iron. It is a crucial component in the production of steel, as it provides the iron necessary to create the alloy.
Iron ore is mined in many countries around the world and is typically found in deposits that are located close to the Earth’s surface. The extracted ore is then processed to remove impurities and create pellets or other forms that can be used in steel production.
Rocks and minerals that can be commercially mined for their iron content can be referred to as iron ores. The ores’ colours vary and are caused by a high concentration of iron oxides.
Iron can be found in many different forms, the most common of which are magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, and siderite.
Types of Iron Ore in India
The consumption of iron is a measure of a nation’s growth. In the form of iron ore, iron is extracted from mines. The proportion of pure iron in various states of iron ore varies. Here is a list of four types of iron ore in India.
|
Name |
Formula |
Wt% Fe |
|
Magnetite |
Fe3O4 |
72.36 |
|
Hematite |
Fe2O4 |
69.94 |
|
Geothite |
FeO(OH) |
62.58 |
|
Limonite |
FeO(OH)+n(H2O) |
52 (n=1) |
|
Siderite |
FeCO3 |
48.2 |
|
Pyrite |
FeS2 |
46.5 |
|
Wustite |
FeO |
79 |
Hematite- Main ore of India
“Oxide of iron” refers to the hematite ore or red ochre. It contains between 60 and 70 per cent ferrous material. It is primarily found in the Dharwad and Cuddapah rocks. It is a large, rugged, lumpy, reddish, or ochre-coloured ore.
Main Kinds of Hematite
- Laminated Hematite
- Micaceous Hematite
- Hematite Breccia
- Hematite Quartz-Schist
Uses of Hematite in India
Hematite is a mineral that is commonly found in India and has several uses in various industries. In the steel industry, it is used as a raw material for the production of iron and steel. Hematite is also used in the manufacturing of pigments, such as red ochre, which is used as a coloring agent in paints and dyes. In addition, it is used in the production of jewelry and other decorative items due to its attractive metallic luster.
Top Hematite Ore Miners in India
- Bihar
- Jharkhand
- Orissa
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Karnataka
- Goa
- Maharashtra
- Andhra Pradesh
The world’s most valuable iron ore is this one. It is the mineral most prevalent in the shallow crust and on Earth’s surface. It is a form of mineral in both igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Magnetite- Black ore
As implied by its name, this type of iron ore in India is magnetic and referred to as ferrimagnetic, along with other naturally magnetic iron-containing minerals. In the 3-D crystal structure of magnetite, which belongs to the hexoctahedral crystal class, the iron atoms are purple, and the oxygen atoms are red.
The primary use of magnetite is essential to iron ore for steel production. In addition, it is a catalyst to produce ammonia and a pigment for paints and ceramics. Its other services are magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for various techniques.
Top Magnetite ore miners in India
- Tamil Nadu (Salem and Tiruchchirappalli districts)
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
Mineral Composition of Magnetite Ore in India
Magnetite ore is a type of iron ore that is found in abundance in India. The mineral composition of magnetite ore in India includes mainly iron, oxygen, and a small number of other elements such as titanium, aluminum, and magnesium. The iron content in magnetite ore is typically between 25% and 40%, which makes it a valuable source of iron for the steel industry. The high iron content of magnetite ore also makes it ideal for use in heavy concrete and as a component in the production of magnetite-based catalysts. In addition, magnetite ore is often used in coal-washing operations to help separate impurities from coal and improve its quality.
Limonite
The ferrous concentration of the limonite iron ore ranges from 35 to 50%. A mixture of iron ore, oxygen, and water is called “hydrated iron oxide.” Limonite iron ore production in India exists in the Raniganj coalfield, Garhwal and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh. The other iron ore miners are in the Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh, in the iron stones of the Damuda series.
Formation and Characteristics of Limonite Iron Ore
Many of the yellowish to yellowish-brown iron oxides generated during the weathering of iron-bearing rocks or deposited as bog, lake, and shallow marine sediments were known as “limonite” before the advent of modern mineral analysis. Hematite, magnetite, pyrite, and other iron-bearing minerals typically weather to create limonite as a secondary substance. This iron ore in India is also found in small amounts in stratified deposits where hydrous iron oxides precipitate as sediment on the bottom of shallow swamps, lakes, and marine settings. These may have an inorganic or biological source. Limonite is highly resistant to deterioration and frequently forms residual deposits. In lateritic soils, it is often the primary form of iron and a colouring agent.
Goethite
Goethite is an iron-bearing hydroxide mineral commonly found in soil and other low-temperature environments. It is a major component of rust and limonite and is usually formed through the weathering of iron-rich minerals. Goethite is typically brownish-yellow to reddish-brown and has a high iron content. This makes it useful in iron ore extraction. In India, it is found in lateritic and limonitic deposits and is used in pigment production, soil conditioning, and as a minor ore for iron extraction.
Siderite
Siderite is an iron carbonate mineral that contains about 48% iron. Unlike hematite or magnetite, siderite has lower iron content. But, its carbonate composition makes it an essential ore for specific steel-making processes. Found in sedimentary rock formations, siderite is usually associated with minerals like quartz and pyrite. It is primarily used in iron and steel production after beneficiation to improve its iron concentration. Indian deposits of siderite are found in regions with carbonate-rich geological formations.
Pyrite
Pyrite, commonly known as "fool's gold," is an iron sulfide mineral with a metallic luster and brass-yellow color. While it is not a primary source of iron due to its high sulfur content, pyrite is still used in the production of sulfuric acid and as an additive in iron ore processing. It is also found in association with other iron ores and is often extracted as a byproduct. In India, pyrite deposits are present in sedimentary and metamorphic rock formations, making it a significant industrial mineral.
How is Iron Ore Mined?
Iron ore mining involves several extraction methods, including open-pit and underground mining. The most common method is open-pit mining, where large deposits close to the Earth's surface are excavated using heavy machinery. The ore is then crushed, sorted, and transported for further processing. In underground mining, tunnels and shafts are used to access deeper iron ore deposits. After extraction, the iron ore undergoes beneficiation to remove impurities and improve iron content before being used in steel production.
Where is Iron Ore Found?
Iron ore is found in vast deposits across the world, with significant reserves in Australia, Brazil, China, and India. In India, the primary iron ore-producing states include Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. These regions contain rich deposits of hematite and magnetite, the most commercially viable types of iron ore. Iron ore is commonly found in sedimentary rocks and ancient geological formations, often associated with minerals like quartz and feldspar.
Iron ore production in India
Iron ore is present in some quantities throughout the nation. However, most of the reserves are concentrated in several carefully chosen locations. Over 95% of all Indian reserves are held by just six states: Jharkhand, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa. Hence, these states lead the iron ore production in India.
Iron Ore Mining in Major Indian States
India is the world’s fifth-largest exporter of iron ore. About 50 to 60 percent of the iron ore production in India is exported to nations like Japan, Korea, Europe, and most recently, the Gulf States. India’s largest export market for iron ore is Japan, which accounts for nearly three-fourths of all our shipments.
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Sree Metaliks Limited, one of India’s top iron ore miners, has its captive mines. The company uses the resource in its integrated steel plants to create finished goods, including sponge iron, billets, TMT bars, pellets, and pig iron.
With various superior products, Sree Metaliks balances its consumers’ needs while boosting iron ore production in India. Its team of experts has successfully and repeatedly shown that it can meet and surpass the expectations of a wide range of clients. Therefore, they have made a name for themselves as India’s best iron ore company.
Their productive efforts and goods attest to our national stature. People value their mining expertise, accurate reporting, and moral character. With their tradition of quality labour and goods, they are the leader among the iron ore companies in India.
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