Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries. It is therefore essential for the production of steel, which in turn is essential to maintain a strong industrial base. Almost all (98%) iron ore is used in steelmaking. Iron ore is mined in about 50 countries.

What is the importance of iron ore?

The primary use of iron ore (98%) is to make steel. The remaining 2% is used in various other applications, such as: powdered iron—for certain types of steels, magnets, auto parts and catalysts. radioactive iron (iron 59)—for medicine and as a tracer element in biochemical and metallurgical research.

What is the most important ore of iron?

Among all the iron ores, hematite and magnetite are the most important ores because most of the iron which is used to make steel is mined from these two ores.