Iron Ore ROM – The Foundation of Every Ore Trade

Raw, unprocessed iron ore straight from the mine—ideal for crushing, screening, beneficiation.

ROM (Run-of-Mine) iron ore is the raw, unprocessed ore directly extracted from the mining pit — a vital starting point in the iron ore value chain. It contains a natural mix of ore particles of all sizes, grades, and impurities, including lumps, fines, oversized rocks, and waste. For producers, processors, and traders alike, ROM represents both potential and complexity. At WAO Steels and Mines Export Pvt Ltd, we specialize in sourcing, handling, and grading high-quality ROM iron ore to initiate efficient downstream processing for global and domestic buyers.

ROM is extracted directly from licensed mines through controlled drilling, blasting, and excavation. The material is loaded onto tippers or dumpers and transported to our screening or crushing units. Each day's extraction is carefully logged and verified with Fe content sampling to ensure that the ROM meets our base procurement threshold — generally 52% Fe and above.

Our sourcing partners operate under strict regulatory conditions, ensuring that ROM ore is legally obtained, environmentally compliant, and backed with all required royalty and transport permits. This is the first checkpoint in our quality chain.

As the name suggests, ROM contains:

• Iron ore lumps (>10 mm to 40 mm)

• Fines (<10 mm)

• Oversized boulders (>40 mm, often rejected or reprocessed)

• Waste rock and clay impurities

Due to this mix, ROM cannot be exported or used in steel production directly. However, it serves as the base input for producing fines and lumps through crushing and screening processes we manage with full quality oversight.

At WAO Steels, ROM ore is received at our dedicated yards near port zones such as Reddi Port and Mormugao. Each batch is weighed, photographed, and tested for:

• Fe%

• Moisture

• Gangue materials (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, etc.)

• Size composition

Based on these metrics, we decide whether the ROM will be blended, directly crushed, or diverted to beneficiation. Our crushing units reduce oversized ore and separate it into usable lump and fine fractions. The process is designed to minimize material loss, control dust, and retain original Fe integrity. ROM processing is done under full documentation, with every truckload traceable to its mine origin.

While ROM itself is not typically exported in large volumes due to its raw nature, it is in demand among beneficiation plants, pellet manufacturers, and large domestic steel plants who prefer to do in-house processing. We supply bulk quantities of ROM to industrial clients across India, particularly in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, who use it as feedstock for sintering or pelletizing.

Our capacity to supply graded ROM in bulk (Fe 54% to 63.5%) gives buyers flexibility to run their own plants while maintaining cost control over the processing chain.

Since ROM has a mixed and unprocessed nature, it requires proper handling to avoid degradation and contamination. At WAO Steels:

• ROM is stored in separated yard zones based on mine source and Fe grade

• Ore is covered or watered regularly to control dust

• Samples are taken from every 100–200 MT for batch validation

• Movement is coordinated via GPS-tracked trucks with documentation tied to royalty and transport clearances

We handle up to 2,000–3,000 metric tons of ROM per day, making us a reliable procurement partner for buyers seeking continuous raw material supply.

While ROM is unprocessed, we still provide buyers with essential documentation such as:

• Fe% pre-screening analysis

• Moisture readings

• Royalty paid slips

• Truck dispatch logs

• Pre-crushing size distribution

We also provide third-party sampling and certification (SGS, MSK, Intertek) on request for buyers who wish to confirm source quality before accepting the ore into their plants.

WAO Steels offers ROM under flexible commercial terms:

• Spot purchase (ex-yard or delivered)

• Long-term contracts for monthly volumes

• Payment options: Advance / LC-based terms (for high-volume contracts)

We work closely with our domestic and international partners to align quality assurance with logistics coordination, ensuring minimal delays and consistent supply.

ROM iron ore may be the most basic form of iron ore — but it’s also the most essential. At WAO Steels and Mines Export Pvt Ltd, we manage this raw product with the same discipline, precision, and transparency as our finished exports. By offering well-sourced, well-managed ROM to domestic processors and value-add exporters, we play a key role in powering India’s raw materials economy — from mine to mill.