Ballari (iron ore)
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Overview
Ballari (Bellary) in Karnataka is a major iron ore district.
It is in Karnataka and is known for high-grade haematite.
Illegal mining scandals here led to Supreme Court curbs in 2011.
Mining resumed later under strict caps.
The Sandur hills of the Ballari–Hosapete belt contain banded iron formations of the Dharwar group, among the oldest rocks in the peninsula.
After the 2011 halt, the Court graded mines into categories by the extent of violations, cancelled the worst leases and set annual production ceilings for the district.
Much of the ore goes to steel plants nearby, including the JSW works at Toranagallu.
A common exam trap is to place Ballari in Andhra Pradesh; it is in Karnataka, although the belt runs close to the state border.
Geography and key facts
- Karnataka
- Iron ore
- Haematite
- 2011 SC ban
- Caps on output
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on iron ore.
Note for UPSC
Karnataka; a major iron-ore district.
Questions match minerals and fields with their states and regions.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Ballari (iron ore) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mineral / fuel deposit
- State / UT
- Karnataka
- Kind
- iron ore
- Coordinates
- 15.140°N, 76.919°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More minerals, coal, oil and gas nearby
Other places in Karnataka
All minerals, coal, oil and gas · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs