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Industrial development worldwide is mainly dependent on one metal, i.e., iron. Metallic iron is extracted from ores of iron found as mineral deposits in different parts of the world. Iron ore is, therefore, the main component for obtaining metallic iron. For the steel-making process, iron ore is first converted into pig iron, which is further used to manufacture steel. As steel is a strong alloy used extensively for manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, transportation, household appliances, etc., iron ore is, therefore, one of the most sought-after commodities in the world.
Iron Ore: What is it?
Ores of iron are mineral combinations that are found as deposits on earth. When treated with reducing agents like coke, ores of iron yield metallic iron in the presence of heat and other favourable conditions. Significant iron ore deposits are found in sedimentary rocks, formed due to the accumulation of sediments over a long duration of time. It is estimated that most sedimentary rocks with iron ore deposits were formed approximately two billion years ago. Initially, iron was present in a dissolved state in the oceans. Later, when organisms capable of photosynthesis came into existence, the dissolved iron got deposited on the seafloor in the form of minerals due to its reaction with the oxygen released by the organisms. These mineral deposits are now mined and collected as iron ore to extract iron for various purposes.
Types of Iron Ore
Iron ores found on earth are of four types. Each one is different in terms of colour and iron content. Let us have a look at its different types.
- Haematite – This ore is reddish and has almost 70 per cent of metallic iron content. It is the best quality iron ore available on earth.
- Magnetite – It is the second-best ore in terms of iron content. Magnetite is black with 60 – 70 per cent metallic iron content. It is also known to have magnetic properties.
- Limonite – It is yellowish and has around 40 – 60 per cent metallic iron content. This ore is of inferior quality as compared to Hematite and Magnetite.
- Siderite – It is another inferior quality iron ore with only 40 per cent of metallic iron. As it has several impurities and low iron content, this ore is not economically viable.
Presence of Iron Ore Across the World
Fifty countries are involved in mining iron ore deposits. The countries that are significant players in mining iron ore are Australia, Brazil and China. Australia is the largest producer of iron ore in the world. In 2021, Australia alone mined around 900 million metric tonnes of iron ore. Brazil and Australia are the two leading countries primarily involved in exporting iron ore. India also has iron ore deposits. Hematite and Magnetite are two ores found in various states of the country. Odisha has around 33 per cent of Haematite deposits in the country, while Karnataka has 73 per cent of Magnetite deposits.
Mining and Processing of Iron Ore
Iron ore mining is carried out in the form of open-pit mines. Miners have to dig in the earth’s surface to reach the ore deposits. Explosives are used to blast off the soil and other rock formations on the surface. The remnants are then transported out of the area with the help of large dump trucks to another location. The ore extracted is then loaded on trains which carry the stuff to processing plants where further segregation and processing are carried out.
Extraction of Iron
The extraction of iron is a lengthy procedure. The first step involves the separation of iron ore from rocks. Powerful magnets are used to separate the iron ore. The next step involves the starting up of furnaces with crushed coking coal, which is baked for around 12 to 16 hours. The iron ore pellets react with carbon fuel generated in the furnace. After that, extremely hot air is passed through the furnace, converting iron ore pellets into molten iron. During this process, the overall temperature reaches around 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. The molten iron is transferred to huge ladles and taken to mills to produce hard steel. Most iron is converted to pig iron, which is later used for making steel.
Conclusion:
Iron ore is the basis of developing strong infrastructure across the world. The primary use of various ores of iron is in steel production. Almost 98 percent of mined iron ore is used for steel production. The remaining 2 per cent is used to make powdered iron, radioactive iron, iron blue and black iron oxide. Powdered iron is utilised for auto parts and catalysts. Radioactive iron is used in medicine and metallurgical research. Iron blue is used in plastics, paints, paper dyeing, and artist colours, while black iron oxide is also utilised in metallurgy and medicine.
