discovery of iron, copper had held its influence, representing advancement of civilization. But now, it is measured as the best conductor of electricity. At present, most of the ore is mined in the districts of Singhbhum (Bihar), Baiaghat (M.P.) and Jhunjhunu and Alwar (Rajasthan). The small producers include Khamman district of Andhra Pradesh, Dhitradurga and Hassan district of Karnataka and also Sikkim. The total recoverable reserves stand at 416.8 million tonnes. Its metal content is figured at 4.37 million tonnes. The yearly production of ore was 4.5 million tonnes in 1997-98.