Iron ore makes up 5% of the earth's crust and is the second most abundant metal after aluminum. World crude iron ore resources exceed 800 billion tons and are estimated to contain more than 230 billion tons of iron, dominated by low-grade ore. Iron ore is mined in 50 countries, of which the seven largest accounts for three-fourth of the world production. India account for 10-12% of the total production of Iron Ore in the world. Huge scope and opportunity lie in increasing the capacities of coal and iron ore mines and considerable opportunities for future discoveries of sub-surface deposits. Demand for such metals is expected to increase in the near future since a greater necessity is coming from residential and commercial sectors, which would put a pressure on indigenous mines. The Government of India has also helped in the development of the metals and mining sector in India by launching key policy initiatives and regulatory interventions in the auction process, lev of duties and land availability.

PRODUCT

Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red.

INDUSTRY

Iron is the world's most commonly used metal-steel, of which iron ore is the key ingredient, representing almost 95% of all metal used per year. The iron ore find extensive application across a variety of sectors, including machinery, metallurgy, petroleum, chemical manufacturing, coal, electric power, railway, shipbuilding, automotive, construction, home appliances, and aviation.