Iron ore

Iron ore is naturally occurring rock or mineral deposit containing enough iron-bearing material to be mined and processed economically. Its value depends on iron content, mineral form, impurities, and extraction costs.

Hematite: An iron oxide mineral, Fe₂O₃, and one of the principal ores of iron. Its high iron content makes hematite a major source of iron ore.
Iron ore mining: The extraction of iron-bearing rock from open-pit or underground deposits. Mining methods respond to deposit depth, geometry, and ore characteristics.
Ironmaking: The industrial production of metallic iron from iron-bearing materials. Iron ore is the principal raw material for most primary ironmaking.
Low-grade iron ore: Iron ore with relatively low iron concentration or substantial impurities. It may require more processing than the high-grade material often favored by buyers.
Magnetite: A magnetic iron oxide mineral, Fe₃O₄, and an important iron ore. Magnetite deposits can yield high-grade concentrate after beneficiation.
Mineral processing: The physical and chemical treatment of mined material to recover valuable minerals. Processing separates iron minerals from gangue before smelting.
Steelmaking: The production of steel by refining iron and adjusting its carbon and alloy content. Most mined iron ore ultimately supplies steel production.
High-grade iron ore: Iron ore with high iron concentration and comparatively low levels of unwanted components. Its premium quality contrasts with ores needing extensive beneficiation.
Goethite: An iron oxyhydroxide mineral, FeO(OH), commonly found in weathered iron deposits. Goethite is a common component of hydrated, weathered iron ores.
Magnetic separation: A method that separates minerals according to their magnetic properties. It can concentrate magnetite from less magnetic surrounding material.

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