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Iron ore deposits of Chhattisgarh are
associated with the rocks that are world over known to contain high-grade ores
(Hematite) i.e. Banded Iron Formation. These rocks are forming almost
North-South trending narrow, highly dissected and discontinuous hill ranges of
about 370 km in length that are extending from Bailadilla to Rajhara in
southwestern Chhattisgarh occupying Dantewara, Bastar, Kanker, Narainpur,
Rajnandgaon, Durg and Kawardha districts. Bailadilla iron ore deposits located
in southern part of the range are world-class and being mined from the leased
area to National Mineral Development Corporation, Ltd. (NMDC). Iron ore of
Dalli-Rajhara located in the central parts of the range are captive mines of
Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP).
Recently an iron ore bearing
area is discovered in Kabirdham district and known as Eklama iron ore complex.
This area is expected to yield high-grade hematitic iron ore in substantial
quantity and support iron & steel units.
At a few places, small deposits (including
isolated patches) may be related to other geological phenomenon are also known,
which may not be economical for large establishment mine production. However,
they can be used for sponge iron units.
BSP is a major Iron and Steel producing
plant in the State. Two major iron ore and steel plants of M/s Tata & M/s Essar
are under pipeline in Bastar and Dantewara districts respectively. NMDC also
plans to install a major plant in Nagarnar area of Bastar district. Apart from
these a large number of sponge iron units are under production or pipeline.
Steel casting, re rolling, pig iron, steel ingot, etc. units are
operational/proposed in parts of the State based on the raw material
availability in the State.
Part of Bailadilla and Dalli-Rajhara areas
are being actively mined by NMDC and BSP respectively. A number of prospecting
licenses and a few mining leases have been granted for the parts of the other
known iron ore deposits. |
