The Ruhr Coal-field, Germany has been one of the major industrial regions of Europe for a long time.  

• Coal and iron and steel formed the basis of the economy, but as the demand for coal declined, the industry started shrinking.  
• Even after the iron ore was exhausted, the industry remained, using imported ore brought by waterways to the Ruhr.  
• The Ruhr region is responsible for 80 per cent of Germany’s total steel production. 

Source: NCERT – XII Fundamental of Human Geography