Why the Iron Quadrangle?
The Iron Quadrangle (Quadrilátero Ferrífero, as is locally known in Portuguese) is a mineral-rich region covering about 2,700 square miles (7,000 square kilometres) in the central-southern part of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
The area is known for extensive deposits of iron ore and gold, being the source of approximately 50% of all iron ore and gold produced in Brazil.
The Iron Quadrangle is home to multiple large, medium, and small iron ore miners and steelmakers. Some of the larger companies with iron ore and/or steel operations in this mineral province include:Vale, BHP (jointly with Vale), Arcellor Mittal, Trafigura, Vallourec, CSN, Gerdau, Usiminas.