The present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material can be attributed to various factors, including technological advancements, transportation infrastructure, and market demands. Here are a few examples accounting for this phenomenon:

1. Pittsburgh, United States: Historically, Pittsburgh was a major hub for the iron and steel industry due to its proximity to abundant reserves of coal and iron ore in the surrounding Appalachian region. However, with the development of advanced mining technologies and efficient transportation systems, iron and steel industries have shifted away from Pittsburgh to other regions such as the Great Lakes region in the northern United States, where access to both raw materials and water transportation is advantageous.

2. Ruhr Valley, Germany: The Ruhr Valley became one of Europe's largest iron and steel manufacturing regions during the 19th and 20th centuries due to its proximity to large coal reserves. However, as the coal mines started to deplete and environmental concerns grew, the industry gradually shifted away from the Ruhr Valley to other regions like eastern Germany or even overseas to countries with abundant raw material access, such as Brazil or Australia.

3. Jamshedpur, India: In contrast to the previous examples, Jamshedpur is a unique case where the iron and steel industry was established far away from the sources of raw materials. Located in Jharkhand state, Jamshedpur was founded by the Tata Group in the early 20th century and became a well-developed steel manufacturing center using iron ore from the nearby Chhattisgarh region and coal transported from Jharia coalfield located roughly 200 kilometers away.

Modern technological advancements in mining, refining, and transportation have made it economically feasible for iron and steel industries to be located away from the source of raw materials. Access to skilled labor, markets, efficient transportation networks, and considerations for environmental regulations also play vital roles in determining the present-day locations of these industries.

Why Iron and Steel Industries Move Away from Raw Material Sources:

While historically iron and steel industries were located near sources of iron ore and coal, several factors have led to their relocation:

1. Access to Markets:

• Proximity to Customers: The cost of transporting finished steel products is significantly higher than transporting raw materials. Industries have shifted towards major population centers and industrial hubs to reduce transportation costs and deliver goods faster.
• Example: The American steel industry moved from the Great Lakes region (near iron ore) to the East Coast (closer to major cities) during the 20th century.

2. Availability of Skilled Labor:

• Specialized Workforce: Steel production requires a skilled workforce with specialized knowledge. Industries relocate to areas with existing skilled labor pools or educational institutions that can train a new workforce.
• Example: Germany's Ruhr Valley, with its established industrial infrastructure and skilled workforce, became a major steel hub despite being far from iron ore deposits.

3. Energy and Infrastructure:

• Access to Energy: Steel production is energy-intensive. Industries move to areas with abundant and affordable energy sources like natural gas, electricity, or hydro power.
• Transport Infrastructure: Efficient transportation networks, including roads, railways, and ports, are crucial for transporting raw materials and finished products.
• Example: Japan's steel industry thrives despite lacking domestic iron ore resources due to its access to affordable energy and its vast shipping infrastructure.

4. Environmental Regulations:

• Pollution Concerns: Steel production generates significant air and water pollution. Industries may relocate to areas with less stringent environmental regulations or offer better pollution control technologies.
• Example: The development of steel industries in developing countries with less restrictive environmental standards has attracted companies seeking lower costs.

5. Government Incentives:

• Tax Breaks and Subsidies: Governments may offer incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, to attract industries to specific locations, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
• Example: China, with its government-led industrial policies, has actively promoted steel production in specific regions, leading to large-scale steel manufacturing facilities far from traditional resource areas.

6. Technological Advancements:

• Improved Transportation: Technological advancements in shipping and logistics have made it more efficient and economical to transport raw materials over long distances.
• Innovative Technologies: New technologies, like direct reduction of iron ore, minimize the need for coking coal, allowing industries to locate further away from traditional coal sources.

In conclusion, the location of iron and steel industries is a dynamic process influenced by numerous factors. While access to raw materials was historically paramount, the modern industry prioritizes market access, labor availability, energy costs, environmental regulations, government incentives, and technological advancements.

Historically, iron and steel industries were typically located near the source of raw materials, such as iron ore and coal deposits. However, over time, the industry has undergone significant changes, leading to many iron and steel plants being located away from the source of raw materials. Here are some reasons and examples that account for this shift:

1. Transportation revolution: Improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as railways, roads, and sea ports, have reduced the cost and increased the efficiency of transporting raw materials over long distances. This has enabled industries to locate near markets, labor, or other advantages, rather than being tied to the source of raw materials.

Example: The steel industry in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, is largely located away from the primary sources of iron ore, which are found in the Mesabi Range of Minnesota. Instead, the industry takes advantage of the region's transportation network, including the Great Lakes and railroads, to import iron ore from Canada and other regions.

2. Energy considerations: The iron and steel industry is highly energy-intensive. Locating near low-cost energy sources, such as natural gas or hydropower, can be more important than proximity to raw materials.

Example: The steel industry in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, particularly in Texas and Louisiana, is benefiting from the abundance of low-cost natural gas. This has led to the development of new steel mills and the expansion of existing ones, despite the region's distance from primary iron ore sources.

3. Labor costs and skills: Labor costs and the availability of skilled workers can influence the location of iron and steel industries. Regions with lower labor costs or a skilled workforce may attract industries even if they are far from raw material sources.

Example: The Indian steel industry has expanded significantly in recent decades, with many plants located in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. While India has significant iron ore deposits, the industry has grown in part due to the country's large workforce and lower labor costs compared to other major steel-producing nations.

4. Government policies and incentives: Governments may offer incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, or investments in infrastructure, to attract industries to specific regions.

Example: The Chinese government has actively promoted the development of the steel industry in the country's coastal regions, such as the Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang region, despite these areas being far from primary iron ore sources. This strategy aims to take advantage of the region's existing infrastructure, labor pool, and market access.

5. Market proximity: Locating near major markets can reduce transportation costs and increase revenue by allowing for just-in-time delivery and more frequent shipments.

Example: The steel industry in the European Union has undergone significant restructuring in recent decades, with many plants now located near major markets, such as the automotive industry clusters in Germany, France, and Italy. This has allowed European steel producers to respond quickly to changing market demands and reduce transportation costs.

In conclusion, while proximity to raw materials was once a critical factor in the location of iron and steel industries, other factors have become more important over time. The industry's evolution has led to a more dispersed geographic distribution, with many plants now located away from primary sources of iron ore and coal.