Iron ore deposits

In Ukraine, iron ores and ferruginous quartzites are mined in the deposits of the Kryvyi Rih, Kremenchuk and Belozir iron ore basins. 

In total, there are 54 iron ore deposits, of which 22 are in operation. 

The explored reserves are 28 billion tons, and prospective and forecast resources are estimated at almost the same amount. 

However, despite significant reserves and resources, Ukraine has problems with providing mining enterprises with high-quality iron ore.

Rich ore resources within the ore fields of operating mining enterprises of the Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin at acceptable depths (800-1000 meters) are limited. The economic feasibility of developing rich ores at greater depths has not been determined.

Many deposits of ferruginous quartzites with Fe-magnetite content less than 30-35 percent require assessment from the standpoint of a market economy. 

It is urgent to reassess existing reserves and resources in accordance with modern technological processes of metallurgy, in particular direct iron reduction.

To increase the mineral and raw material base of iron ores, the following are envisaged:

-conducting additional exploration within the boundaries of rich iron ore deposits;

-conducting prospecting, prospecting and appraisal works to identify rich ores and easily enriched magnetite quartzites within the boundaries of existing ore regions;

-development, testing and implementation of modern rational technologies for comprehensive research of iron ores to ensure an objective assessment of their quality, justified accumulation of reserves and operational support of extraction and processing while ensuring the liquidity of the final commercial product.