Question

How does the location of raw materials affect the location of industries?

Answer 1

The location of raw materials greatly influences industries, especially those using heavy, bulky, or perishable inputs. Such industries often set up near sources to reduce transportation costs and ensure steady supply.

• Iron and steel plants (e.g., Jamshedpur, Rourkela, Bhilai) are located near coalfields and iron ore deposits since both are heavy and lose weight during manufacturing.
• Sugar mills are set close to cane fields because sugarcane is bulky and perishable.
• Jute mills in West Bengal and cotton mills in Maharashtra and Gujarat are also located near raw material sources.
• By contrast, footloose industries (like electronics) are less dependent on raw material location.