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Blog

Geologists Uncover World’s Largest Iron Ore

Global edition
Geologists Uncover World’s Largest Iron Ore
World's Largest Iron Ore Deposit

Hamersley Range, Western Australia – Geologists have identified the largest iron ore deposit ever recorded, located in the Hamersley Range of Western Australia. This colossal reserve is estimated to contain 55 billion metric tons of high-grade iron ore, with an approximate market value of $5.7 trillion USD. 

The Hamersley Range has long been recognized for its rich mineral resources, but this recent find surpasses all previous records, solidifying Australia’s position as a global leader in iron ore production. The sheer scale of this deposit is expected to have significant economic implications, attracting substantial investments and potentially reshaping the dynamics of the global iron ore market.

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Beyond its economic impact, this discovery is prompting geologists to reassess existing theories on mineral formation. Recent studies suggest that these iron-rich formations are much younger than previously believed, dating back approximately 1.4 billion years. This challenges the conventional understanding of how Earth’s richest iron ore deposits formed and highlights the role of ancient tectonic movements and supercontinent cycles in concentrating such vast mineral resources. 

The identification of this deposit not only enhances our understanding of geological processes but also underscores the potential for future mineral exploration in regions previously considered less promising. 

About the author

Charles Pitts

Charles Pitts

Publisher & Lead Macro-Strategist

Charles Pitts is the publisher of Skillings Mining Review, the trade journal that has covered mining since 1912. He writes on the macro forces behind metal prices: commodity cycles, sovereign capital and the shifting sources of demand.

His current work argues that hyperscale AI, and the gigawatt-scale power its data centres need, is becoming a buyer of lithium and copper in its own right, competing with the automotive supply chain for tier-one reserves.


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