Which of the following iron & steel plants is closer to coal deposits than iron ore deposits? (1987)

Answer: (c) Burnpur & Hirapur

Burnpur and Hirapur (Asansol) sit on the Raniganj coalfield.

The idea

An integrated steel plant must bring together iron ore, fuel, limestone and water. Its location reflects the combined cost of moving these inputs, rather than closeness to every resource. A plant can be nearer a coalfield while receiving iron ore from another part of the mineral belt.

Iron ore, coking coal and limestone are supplied → Coal is converted into coke → Blast furnace reduces iron ore → Molten iron is refined into steel → Steel is rolled into products

Why the others are wrong

(a) Bhilai is near iron ore.

(b) Jamshedpur is near both; Bhadravati near ore.

(d) Rourkela is near iron ore.

Also know

Raniganj and Jharia are the coalfield anchors for the eastern steel belt. Durgapur is another coal-side centre; Bhilai is associated with Dalli-Rajhara iron ore and Rourkela with Odisha’s iron-ore belt. Coke is processed coal used in a blast furnace, not the same substance as iron ore.