Question

Which type of resource is iron ore?
A. Renewable
B. Biotic
C. Flow
D. Non-renewable

Answer 1

Hint: The fundamental purpose of iron ore is to generate steel. The other applications are, such as: granulated iron for specific varieties of steels, magnets, auto parts and catalysts, radioactive iron (iron 59) for medicinal purposes and as a tracer element in biochemical and metallurgical study.

Complete Answer:
Looking at the above options:
Option A: Renewable resources are the non-perishable natural resources which are not limited. Example; solar energy, geothermal energy. Therefore, iron is not a renewable resource. This option is incorrect.
Option B: Biotic resources are those that are derived from the biosphere. They are meant to be living or have lived. Therefore, iron is not a biotic resource. This option is incorrect.
Option C: Flow resources are those that are neither renewable nor non-renewable and must be utilized where it arises and replenishes itself. They can be only natural resources and have no human influence involved. Therefore, iron is not a flow resource. This option is incorrect.
Option D: Iron is a non-renewable resource. It is a natural resource which is found in limited amounts on our planet. It can be created by natural techniques. Hence, it is a non-renewable resource. This option is correct.
Hence, the correct option is, ‘D. Non-renewable’.

Note:
- The fundamental use of iron ore is in the generation of iron. Most of the iron generated is used to make steel which is used to manufacture automobiles, locomotives, ships, enhancing rods for concrete and thousands of additional commodities.
- Australia is one of the leading producers of iron ore in the world and accounts for half of the world's iron ore exports.
- In India, the largest producer of iron ore is Orissa.