top 10

Back on global production , the Minas Itabiritos Mine in Brazil makes our list at number five . The mine , which is the world ’ s third largest iron ore mining operation , is estimated to contain roughly 2.78 billion tons of iron ore . The site is comprised of four mining deposits : Segredo , Joao Pereira , Sapecado and Galinheiro .

The Sishen iron ore mine produced 30.9 million tons of iron ore in 2013 . The mine , which is the first ( and only ) mine located in South Africa on our list , is owned and operated by Kumba Iron Ore Limited . Operational since 1947 , the mine is one of the biggest open-pit mining operations in the world .

26 December 2014