Deposits of Iron Ores

Iron is a relatively abundant element in the universe. Iron could be found native in meteorites. It is the fourth most abundant element in the earth's crust; about 5% is Iron.Iron deposits can be classified as magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic ore formation. The magmatic hematite iron ore contains mostly hematite and magnetic minerals as banded with quartz hematite and hematite schist, is laminated metamorphosed oxide called Itabirite. Itabirite exist as iron ore deposit in Brazil and its type is metamorphic type.

China has many isolated ore deposits, most of them are used for local iron and steel industries. The largest concentration of reserves is in the provinces of Liaoning (northeast China and Hebei (eastern central China) the ores are of itabirite type, mainly with hematite –quartzite ores contain 50% Fe.

Australia has many iron ore mines. The large iron ore reserves of this continent are in the north of Western Australia in the Pilbara district. The Precambrian banded itabirite ores contain magnetite, quartz, carbonate and stilpnomelane. The near-surface region includes hematite and limonite weathering ores. It is found in old Tertiary riverbeds high limonite ores.

Brazil was one of the biggest producers of iron ore in the world. The iron quadrangle in Minas Gerais state is one of the important mine in Brazil . It supplies several local ironworks, but most of the product are exported. The ores occur in three successive beds; Precambrian in age strongly metamorphosed called Rio das Velhas. The ore is thought to consist of marine sedimentary deposits contain 35-60 %Fe. There are several ore types in the mines of Brazil.

The important iron ore producer countries rank as follows by tonnage output (2013 production, tonnesX10⁶):

China 1,320

Australia 530

Brazil 398

India 150

Russia 102

Ukraine 80

South Africa 67

United States 52

Canada 40

Iran 37

Venezuela 30

Sweden 26