From Mine to Market: The Journey of Indian Iron Ore Exports
India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of iron ore. From the mineral-rich belts of Goa, Bellary, and Hospet, millions of tons of iron ore make their way every year to steel plants across China, South Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. But behind this seamless trade lies a complex process, one that transforms raw rock into export-grade material, and delivers it from Indian mines to foreign blast furnaces with precision.
WAO STEELS AND MINES EXPORT PVT LTD
6/27/20252 min read


Sourcing Iron Ore from Strategic Mining Zones
The process begins at the mine. India has over 10,000 million tonnes of iron ore reserves, with hematite and magnetite being the most common. WAO Steels sources directly from mines in Goa, Bellary, and Hospet, where the ore is either mined by partners or procured through registered vendors following legal compliance and environmental approvals.
This ore is usually Run-of-Mine (ROM) — a mixture of sizes, grades, and moisture levels — and is not yet ready for export. That’s where our process begins.
Screening, Blending & Grading
The ROM ore undergoes mechanical screening and crushing, separating it into:
Fines (below 10 mm)
Lumps (10–40 mm)
Pellet Feed (ultra-fine, high Fe content)
At our processing yards, we also perform custom blending based on client Fe% requirements — from 48% to 63.5% Fe. This is essential for markets like China and Japan, where exact specifications impact furnace efficiency and price.
Quality Control & Third-Party Inspection
Quality isn’t assumed — it’s proven. Before the ore leaves our yard, it is tested for:
Fe content
Silica and alumina impurities
Moisture level
Size distribution
We invite internationally accredited agencies like MSK, SGS, or Intertek to conduct third-party inspections. Buyers often request LC-compliant certificates with sampling photos and timestamped reports — all of which we provide as standard.
Jetty Movement & Port Stuffing
Once approved, the cargo is transported to the Goa jetty, located just 20 km from our processing yard. Here, we load the ore into barges or containers, depending on the shipment size and Incoterms (FOB/CFR/CIF).
At the jetty:
Ore is moisture-checked
Containers or ship holds are cleaned and sealed
Final inspection (if required) is performed
Jetty stuffing certificates are issued and recorded
This efficient coordination ensures zero demurrage and smooth berthing for vessels.
Shipping to International Ports
We coordinate vessel scheduling with our shipping partners, ensuring timely delivery to ports in:
China (Qingdao, Tianjin, Rizhao)
South Korea (Pohang, Incheon)
Japan (Kobe, Nagoya)
Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam, Sohar)
Buyers are updated at each stage with loading reports, container images, inspection documents, and Bill of Lading tracking.
Our shipments typically include:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Inspection certificate
Certificate of Origin
Bill of Lading
Jetty and stuffing reports
Why Buyers Choose WAO Steels
WAO Steels brings logistics clarity, grade flexibility, and compliance assurance — qualities that global importers rely on when buying bulk materials. With a youthful, detail-oriented team managing sourcing, documentation, jetty movement, and export compliance, we stand out as more than just a supplier — we’re a strategic raw material partner.
Conclusion: From India's Soil to the World's Steel
The journey of iron ore from mine to market is not a straight road — it’s a supply chain powered by trust, tested by precision, and delivered with purpose. At WAO Steels and Mines Export Pvt Ltd, we make sure every shipment meets global standards — not just in grade, but in process and performance.
Whether you're a first-time importer or a long-term steel partner, we ensure your ore isn’t just delivered — it’s verified, tracked, and trusted.
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