1. Vietnam
Reserves: ~1.2 billion tons (mainly hematite/magnetite)
Key Mines: Thạch Khê (Hà Tĩnh, 60-65% Fe), Quý Xa (Lào Cai, 45-65% Fe)
Status: Active mining; supplies domestic steel industry (Hòa Phát, Formosa)
Export: Limited (China primary market)
2. Laos
Reserves: ~500-700 million tons (lower-grade, 45-55% Fe)
Key Areas: Xieng Khouang, Savannakhet
Status: Small-scale mining; untapped potential
Export: Minimal (Chinese interest growing)
3. Cambodia
Reserves: ~5-7 million tons (lateritic, 30-45% Fe)
Key Areas: Preah Vihear, Kampong Thom
Status: No commercial production
Comparative Snapshot
| Country | Reserves | Fe Grade | Main Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Large (1.2Bt) | 45-65% | Domestic steel |
| Laos | Medium (500Mt) | 45-55% | Future export |
| Cambodia | Small (5-7Mt) | 30-45% | N/A |
Key Notes:
Vietnam dominates regional production.
Laos/Cambodia need infrastructure for development.
China is primary investor/buyer across all three.
Iron ore serves as the primary raw material for these essential industries:
1. Steel Manufacturing (accounts for ~98% of usage)
Production of crude steel (coils, bars, plates)
Applications: Construction, bridges/shipbuilding, automotive
2. Cast Iron Production
Gray/white cast iron for:
Machine part casting
Refractory materials
3. Heavy Industry
Machinery and equipment manufacturing
Railway and container production
4. Chemical Industry
Iron alum production (water treatment)
Pigments (paints, ceramics)
5. Energy Sector
Transformer core materials
Catalysts for ammonia production
Key Production Process:
Iron Ore → Pig Iron (blast furnace) → Steel (basic oxygen furnace) → Final Products
Strategic Importance:
✔ Supplies raw materials for >70% of manufacturing sectors
✔ Directly impacts construction/mechanical engineering costs
*1 ton of steel requires ~1.6 tons of iron ore + 0.5 tons of coke*