Q.7 Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.
Model Answer:
Introduction
The location of iron and steel industries has evolved significantly over time. Traditionally, these industries were established close to the sources of raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and limestone to minimise transportation costs. However, in recent decades, the trend has shifted, and many iron and steel industries are now located away from the raw material sources. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including advancements in transportation, the availability of other resources, and market proximity.
Body
Factors Influencing the Location of Iron and Steel Industries Away from Raw Material Sources:
- Advancements in Transportation:
- Modern transportation infrastructure, including railways, highways, and shipping, has reduced the cost and time of transporting raw materials over long distances.
- Example: The steel industry in Japan imports iron ore from Australia and Brazil, despite the long distances, due to efficient shipping routes.
- Proximity to Markets:
- Being closer to the consumer markets reduces the cost of distributing finished products.
- Example: The steel plants in the United States, such as those in the Great Lakes region, are located near major industrial and consumer markets.
- Availability of Skilled Labor:
- Industries often locate in areas with a skilled workforce to ensure efficient production processes.
- Example: The Ruhr region in Germany, historically known for its steel production, continues to thrive due to its skilled labor force.
- Access to Ports:
- Proximity to ports facilitates the import of raw materials and the export of finished products.
- Example: South Korea's POSCO steel plant is located near the port of Pohang, allowing easy import of raw materials and export of steel products.
- Government Policies and Incentives:
- Governments may provide incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure support to attract industries to specific regions.
- Example: The establishment of the Jamshedpur steel plant in India was supported by government policies and incentives.
Examples of Iron and Steel Industries Located Away from Raw Material Sources:
- Jamshedpur, India:
- Located in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur is home to Tata Steel, one of the largest steel plants in India. Despite being away from the primary sources of iron ore and coal, the plant benefits from excellent transportation links and proximity to markets.
- Pohang, South Korea:
- POSCO's steel plant in Pohang is one of the largest in the world. The plant imports iron ore from countries like Australia and Brazil, leveraging South Korea's advanced port facilities.
- Hamilton, Canada:
- The steel industry in Hamilton, Ontario, is located near the Great Lakes, providing easy access to raw materials via shipping routes and proximity to major markets in North America.
- Ruhr Valley, Germany:
- Historically a major coal and steel-producing region, the Ruhr Valley continues to be a significant steel production area due to its skilled labor force and advanced infrastructure, despite the decline in local coal mining.
- Nagoya, Japan:
- The steel industry in Nagoya imports iron ore from Australia and Brazil. The city's strategic location near major industrial zones and ports facilitates efficient production and distribution.
Conclusion
The location of iron and steel industries has shifted from being solely dependent on proximity to raw materials to a more complex consideration of factors such as transportation, market access, skilled labour, and government policies. This shift has enabled the industry to optimise production and distribution processes, ensuring competitiveness in the global market.
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