Describe iron and steel industry with reference to its features, uses and method of production.
(1) Basic industry : Iron and steel industry is the basic industry because all the other industries depend on it for their machinery. (2) Production and heavy industry : It is a heavy industry because all the raw materials as well as finished goods are heavy and bulky entailing heavy transportation costs. Iron ore, coking coal and limestone are required in the ratio of approximately 4:2:1. f (3) Some quantities of manganese are also required to harden the steel. Uses : Steel is used to manufacture a variety of engineering goods, construction material, defence, medical, telephonic, scientific equipment and consumer goods.
