Utilisation of india’s iron ore resources— present situation and future possibilities

India is endowed with large reserves of iron ore. The target being set for augmenting domestic steel capacity in the near future would substantially enhance the demand of iron ore. Considering the short term target of about 120 million tons production, the corresponding demand for iron ore inputs, with Fe content in the region of 62–64%, would be around 225–250 million tons. This excludes the requirements of ore to meet export commitments. It is, therefore, imperative to put in place a proper policy that would ensure optimum utilization of our resources, and extend the life of the iron ore deposits. Such a policy would necessarily include the production of rich concentrates utilizing relatively poorer and inferior grades of iron ore. In general, the current practice in India is to selectively raise hematite iron ore having average Fe content of 62%. This involves adopting about 58% Fe cut-off while mining, leaving poorer grade material locked in situ or discarded as waste. Besides, large quantity of waste is also generated every year in the process of desliming the ore. The wastes in slurry form are impounded in tailings pond. The above low grade materials/slimes contain substantial iron values. A large portion of the same could be recovered adopting suitable methods, and gainfully utilized. This will enable the country to increase the reserve base, improve economy of operation and alleviate environment related problems due to slime disposal, to a large extent. Many iron ore producers in India are initiating steps to utilize the low grade resources, and examine techno-economic viability for upgradation of lean iron ores. Under National Mineral Policy (2008), Indian Government has taken steps for utilization of lower grade materials. R&D organizations will have to be encouraged to take up the development of process routes for low grade ore beneficiation. Against the above backdrop, this paper discusses the current scenario of iron ore resource in India and future possibilities. The present practices, and the future trend of process technology that could be adopted to meet the iron ore requirements through effective utilization of available mineral resources in this country, are also discussed