| About Iron Ore |
| About Iron
Ore Iron is one of the more common elements on Earth, making up about 5% of the Earth's crust. Iron is extracted from the ore hematite, which is mainly Fe2O3. The iron is separated from the ore by reduction with carbon - a more reactive element. This process takes place in a blast furnace at temperatures of about 2000°C. Iron Ore - Industry Basics & Links Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a reductant, will yield metallic iron (Fe). It almost always consists of iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (Fe2O3). Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries. It is therefore essential for the production of steel, which in turn is essential to maintain a strong industrial base. Almost all (98%) iron ore is used in steel making. Iron ore is mined in about 50 countries. In India it is mined in the states of Goa, Karnataka and Orissa. |