The term ‘iron ore’ refers to a mix of rocks and minerals from which metallic iron is extracted economically. The third commonly-found element making up this earth, iron ore, is a popular commodity with wide-ranging uses. Steel made from iron ore has been widely used in various industrial applications. Iron ore deposits can be of various types, and there is a specific process to make steel from it. Nornbaly, iron ore has a long history too. We will cover different essential aspects associated with iron ore in this article.
A brief background to ‘iron ore.’
Iron ore has been an essential and integral part of the global iron and steel industry. Notably, 98 per cent of the mined iron is specifically used for the steelmaking process. International prices for iron ore change depending on different market conditions. It stands from $69.75/ton in 2018 to $113.71/ton in 2021. (Source). The term ‘iron ore’ refers to the rocks and mineral contents used to extract metallic iron. How much iron ore it takes to produce one ton of steel depends on the iron content available in iron ore.
Iron ore deposits can be found in sedimentary rocks. They refer to rocks that have been formed with the proceeding of time. Thanks to the accumulation of different types of sediments.
‘Fe’ is the chemical symbol for iron ore. The main components of iron ore are hematite and magnetite. The ore can vary in colour, ranging from dark grey to bright yellow to rusty red and purple.
As large-scale production of iron surfaced, the Bronze Age came to an end and with this, iron ore’s popularity has increased.
The different uses of iron ore
Nearly all iron ore is converted into pig iron for steel production. It is used in various areas, including in construction, transportation, household appliances, and energy. Infrastructure projects around the world use iron ore. For example, it is used to construct bridges, buildings, etc. The steel used in them is made using iron ore. Steel made from the ore can also be used to make household appliances, including fridges, washing machines etc. The planes, ships, cars etc., also depend on steel produced from iron ore. The energy projects can also use it to support infrastructure, like making wind turbines.
Although the primary function of iron ore is to produce steel, it may sometimes be used in other applications too in a limited capacity, including for medical research, printing industry, paint jobs etc.
To make steel, iron ore is first heated and then melted in furnaces, which converts the ore into molten pig iron and slag. When the impurities are removed, alloying elements are then added. After a few steps further, including casting and cooling, it becomes ready for use.
What does the future hold for iron ore?
With steel production seeing a steady rise, iron ore should remain popular over time.
Iron ore miners in India
With many years of experience in the business, Sree Metaliks Limited, one of the leading and fastest-growing iron ore producing companies in India, has its own captive Iron Ore Mines located in Khanbandh and its integrated manufacturing units Rugudi & Anra in Odisha. To learn more about iron ore companies in India, iron ore manufacturers in India, please visit their website now!