Q14.Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples.

Historically, iron and steel industries were raw material-oriented. Today, a notable shift sees them locating away from primary resource sites.

Reasons for Shift Away from Raw Material Sources

• Technological Advancements: Innovations like electric arc furnaces reduce coking coal demand. Increased scrap metal use, available near urban centers, further lessens reliance on bulky raw materials.
• Market Proximity: Locating closer to consumers minimizes finished product transport costs and ensures efficient supply to diverse industries.
• Efficient Transportation: Developed rail, road, and waterway networks allow economical movement of raw materials over longer distances.
• Port-based Plants: Coastal sites, exemplified by Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, facilitate import of high-quality coking coal and export of finished steel.
• Government Policies: State incentives, coupled with availability of power, water, and skilled labor, also influence location choices.

This strategic shift reflects a complex interplay of technological evolution, market forces, improved logistics, and supportive policy frameworks.