Iron ORE

What is iron ore, and how is it used in steel-making?
Suggested Answer: Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be extracted. It is mainly used to produce pig iron, which is then used to make steel.
Name the four main types of iron ore deposits mentioned in the document.
Suggested Answer: The four main types are massive hematite, magnetite, titanomagnetite, and pisolitic ironstone.
What percentage of iron ore is used in steel-making, according to the document?
Suggested Answer: 98% of iron ore is used in steel-making.
Explain the process of making steel from iron ore as described in the document.
Suggested Answer: Iron ore is mixed with coke (from super-heated metallurgical coal) in a blast furnace. Air heated to 1,200 degrees Celsius is injected into the furnace, converting the iron ore into liquid steel and slag. Carbon is removed, and alloying elements are added to create steel, which is then cast, cooled, and rolled into finished products.
How much iron ore is needed to produce one ton of steel?
Suggested Answer: It takes around 1.6 tons of iron ore to produce one ton of steel.
What is the significance of iron in construction and transport?
Suggested Answer: Steel, made from iron ore, is a vital material used in construction (buildings, bridges) and transport (cars, ships, trains) because of its strength and durability.

What does the word “slag” mean in the context of steel-making?
Suggested Answer: “Slag” refers to the impurities that are separated from the iron during the steel-making process.
Define the following terms: “hematite,” “magnetite,” and “ore.”
Suggested Answer:
- Hematite is a type of iron ore, known for its red color and high iron content.
- Magnetite is another type of iron ore, recognized by its magnetic properties.
- Ore is a natural rock or mineral from which a valuable substance, like metal, can be extracted.
What is the chemical symbol for iron, and what does it stand for?
Suggested Answer: The chemical symbol for iron is Fe, which stands for its Latin name, Ferrum.
Explain the term “primary crusher” in the iron ore mining process.
Suggested Answer: A “primary crusher” is a machine used to break large rocks of iron ore into smaller pieces for further processing.

Why do you think iron is such an important material in modern industries?
Suggested Answer: Iron is essential in modern industries because it is the main component of steel, which is used in construction, transportation, energy infrastructure, and household appliances. Steel’s strength, versatility, and recyclability make it a crucial material for industrial applications.
What are some of the environmental concerns associated with iron ore mining?
Suggested Answer: Environmental concerns include habitat destruction, pollution from mining processes, and greenhouse gas emissions during steel production. Additionally, mining activities can lead to soil erosion and water contamination.
The document states that the world will need iron ore for as long as it needs steel. Do you think there will be alternatives to iron in the future?
Suggested Answer: While steel is currently indispensable, there are efforts to develop alternatives like carbon fiber or materials made from recycled metals. However, due to steel’s unique properties, it will likely remain crucial for many years, though sustainable and more eco-friendly production methods may emerge.

Write a short paragraph using the following words: “iron,” “steel,” “blast furnace,” and “rail line.”
Suggested Answer: Iron ore is transported from the mining site by rail line to the processing plant. There, it is loaded into a blast furnace where it is converted into steel. This steel is then used in various industries, including construction and manufacturing.
Convert the following sentence into the passive voice: “Trains transport the iron ore to ports.”
Suggested Answer: The iron ore is transported to ports by trains.
Use the present continuous tense to describe what happens in a blast furnace.
Suggested Answer: In the blast furnace, air is being injected at high temperatures to convert iron ore into liquid steel, while slag is being separated from the molten iron.