What is iron ore?
Iron ore is known as the raw material for steel production, and about 98 percent of this material is extracted in the world for the purpose of steel production. The steel metal produced is also completely recyclable and can be used as a raw material for the production of steel products with the same initial quality. This element is easily oxidized, and its alloy, which is prepared using various elements, especially nickel and chromium, is used to increase the strength of buildings and other things. This mineral is mined in about 50 countries in the world, and Australia and Brazil are known as the largest exporters of this product, and China is known as its largest importer.
Extracting iron from iron ore
Purification is necessary for iron ore use. Iron extraction from iron ore (rocks containing more than 20% iron are called iron ore) is carried out by special physical, mechanical, and chemical processes, in which iron oxide rocks are reduced by carbon and the iron element is released. Charcoal was used for centuries for reduction, but since the early 19th century, coke has been used to replace charcoal. To produce and purify iron ore, the smelting and reduction process must be carried out in furnaces. There are various methods for this process, but blast furnaces are used as the main methods for separating iron from its ore.
What is the iron ore grade?
The iron ore grade is actually an index that determines the weight percentage of pure iron in the rock. This index is important because it determines the quality and economic value of the rock and is usually expressed as a percentage.
Iron ore processing
Due to the low grade of iron ore, its impure nature, its harmful compounds, and its ease of use in various locations, processing operations are carried out. After processing, iron ore is produced in various forms, including granulated, pellets, lumps, and concentrates, and consumers prepare and use this product according to their needs.
