Iron ore

What is Iron Ore?

Iron ore is one of the most important raw materials in the metal and steel industry. It is a natural substance extracted from mines and, after processing and refining, is used to produce pig iron and then steel.

Iron ore mainly consists of iron oxides, and depending on its chemical composition and purity, it appears in several different types.

Types of Iron Ore

1. Hematite (Fe₂O₃)
   • One of the most common iron ores
   • Color: red to brown
   • High iron content (60–70%)

1. Magnetite (Fe₃O₄)

1. • Magnetic properties
   • Color: black or dark gray
   • Relatively high iron content (55–65%)

1. Limonite (FeO(OH)·nH₂O)

1. • Hydrated iron ore
   • Color: yellow to brown
   • Lower grade compared to hematite and magnetite

1. Siderite (FeCO₃)

1. • Less commonly used industrially
   • Color: grayish to brown
   • Lower iron content (30–40%)

Stages of Converting Iron Ore into Steel

1. Mining from open-pit or underground mines
2. Crushing and screening
3. Concentration (increasing iron grade and reducing impurities)
4. Pelletizing (making compressed pellets for furnaces)
5. Reduction and smelting in blast furnaces or via direct reduction methods
6. Steelmaking (producing crude steel)

Applications of Iron Ore

• Production of iron and steel (main use)
• Construction and infrastructure industries
• Automotive and machinery manufacturing
• Shipbuilding and railway industries
• Oil, gas, and petrochemical industries (steel pipes and equipment)