Iron ore (lumps, fines, pellets)

What it is

Haematite and magnetite ore, the main input for blast furnaces, sponge iron and pellet plants.

Lumps (by Fe %: 58 to 65%+)FinesCalibrated lump ore (CLO)ConcentratesPellets

Where India produces it

1. OdishaKendujharSundaragada

   148.959 million tonnes in 2023-24, about 53.71% of India's output.

2. ChhattisgarhDakshin Bastar DantewadaUttar Bastar KankerNarayanpurRajnandgaonDurg

   46.043 million tonnes (16.60%).

3. KarnatakaBallariChitradurgaTumakuruBagalkote

   40.996 million tonnes (14.78%).

4. JharkhandWest Singhbhum

   22.896 million tonnes.

5. Maharashtra

   10.727 million tonnes.

6. Madhya PradeshJabalpurSagarChhatarpurGwalior

   6.047 million tonnes.

Where imports come from

Low: India exported 46.37 million tonnes and imported 4.96 million tonnes in 2023-24.

• Australia — About 70% of 4.96 million tonnes imported in 2023-24
• Brazil — About 12%
• Malaysia — About 7%

Rules before you buy or sell

• Iron ore is a major mineral: mining leases are auctioned under the MMDR Act, 1957, with returns filed to IBM.
• Imports of iron ore lumps, fines, concentrates and pellets are 'free' under ITC(HS) 2022 (IMYB 2024).
• Check the current import and export policy for your exact 8-digit HS code in the DGFT ITC(HS) schedules.

Storage and handling

Open stockyards on compacted ground; control dust with water sprinkling.