Question

Which country among the following is the second largest producer of iron ore in the world?
A) Russia
B) Brazil
C) China
D) Australia

Answer 1

Hint: Iron ore is a mineral that, when heated in the presence of a reductant, produces metallic iron (Fe). It is almost always made up of iron oxides, the most common of which are magnetite $(Fe_3O_4)$ and hematite $(Fe_2O_3)$. Iron ore is a key source of iron for the world's iron and steel industries.

Complete answer:
Now let us look into the given options:
A) Russia : Option A is incorrect. This is because Russia is the fifth largest producer of iron ore. The country produces about 96 million tons of usable iron.
B) Brazil : Option B is correct. This is because Brazil is the second largest producer of iron ore. The country produces about 29 billion tons of usable iron.
C) China : Option C is incorrect. This is because China holds the fourth position in the world for producing iron ore. The country produces around 20 billion tonnes.
D) Australia : Otion D is incorrect. This is because Australia holds the first position as the country that produces the largest iron ore in the world. The country produces iron ores worth 48 billion tons. The country also has the largest iron reserves.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: Iron ore is an important manufacturing ingredient primarily used in steelmaking, and its significance to the global economy supports a high level of demand from those countries with the largest reserves in the world.