#Bailadila mine is the first large scale open cast mechanised iron ore mine in India. #The mine has the distinction of having unique down-the-hill conveyor system passing through a tunnel to transport iron ore from crushing plant to processing plant.#Bailadila complex possesses the world’s best grade of hard lumpy ore having +66% iron content, free from sulphur and other deleterious material and the best physical properties needed for steel making.

The Bailadila hills are located in the southern part of the Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. These hills are rich in iron ore deposits and are known for their high-quality iron ore reserves. Here are three prominent features of iron ore found in Bailadila hills:

1. High-grade iron ore:
- The iron ore deposits in Bailadila hills are known for their high-grade quality. The ore found here typically contains a high percentage of iron content, making it suitable for steel production.
- The iron ore reserves are estimated to contain more than 1.2 billion tonnes of high-grade iron ore. This makes Bailadila one of the largest iron ore mining areas in India.
- The high-grade iron ore found in Bailadila hills is of hematite type, which is rich in iron oxide. This type of iron ore is preferred in steel manufacturing due to its high iron content and low impurities.

2. Massive deposits and large-scale mining:
- The iron ore deposits in Bailadila hills are spread over a vast area, covering multiple mining leaseholds. The mining operations in this region are carried out by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), which is a government-owned company.
- The mining activities in Bailadila hills are conducted through open-pit mining methods. This involves the removal of overlying rock and soil to expose the iron ore deposits. The ore is then extracted using heavy machinery and transported for further processing.
- The large-scale mining operations in Bailadila hills ensure a steady supply of iron ore to various steel plants across the country. The ore is transported through railways or conveyor belts to the processing plants, where it is further refined and converted into usable iron and steel products.

3. Beneficial geological formations:
- The geological formations in Bailadila hills are highly favorable for the formation and preservation of iron ore deposits. The hills are composed of banded iron formations (BIFs), which are sedimentary rocks containing alternating layers of iron-rich minerals and chert (a type of silica-rich rock).
- The BIFs in Bailadila hills were formed during the Precambrian period, around 2.7 billion years ago. The iron-rich layers were deposited in ancient oceans or seas, where iron minerals precipitated and accumulated over time.
- The geological stability and composition of the Bailadila hills have resulted in the formation of extensive iron ore reserves. The iron ore deposits are found in multiple layers and are often interbedded with other rock types, such as shale and quartzite.

In conclusion, the iron ore found in Bailadila hills is characterized by its high-grade quality, massive deposits, and beneficial geological formations. These features make it a valuable resource for the steel industry and contribute significantly to the iron ore production in India.