Iron (Fe) is a metallic element that constitutes 5.6% by weight of the Earth’s crust and is the fourth most abundant element in the crust. Iron ores are rocks from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The principal iron ores contain hematite (Fe2O3) and magnetite (Fe3O4).
Hematite is an iron oxide mineral. It is non-magnetic and has colour variations ranging from steel silver to reddish brown. Pure hematite contains 69.9% Fe by molecular weight.
Magnetite is an iron oxide mineral that is generally black and highly magnetic. The latter property aids in the beneficiation of magnetite ores. Magnetite contains 72.4% Fe by molecular weight, which is higher than hematite.
IRON ORE CONCENTRATE
This product is extracted and produced from the steel industry. This product is made from the combination of several rich raw materials and various types of rocks, including magnetite and hematite, which are converted into powder during the extraction and market entry phase. That is why the name “concentration” was chosen for this powdered product, which is mostly used to increase the grade and value of iron ores.
This product has a dark black color and is used as a raw material for the production of products such as iron pellets. Among the reasons that have made this product highly valuable in the industry are factors such as the absence of environmentally harmful substances, non-flammability, rapid production, and cost-effectiveness.
Considering that a part of the economic income is dependent on the production of this material, and the demand for this material is increasing, a product like iron concentrate has been able to meet the needs of applicants and the iron market completely and at an affordable price by increasing the quality of iron ores.
IRON ORE PELLET
Iron ore pellets are iron ore crushed into powder form, forming spherical lumps. This iron oxide is in turn formed into pellets by using clay as a binder and thereafter hardening it by firing in kilns at 1,315 degrees. Has moisture content ranging from 0 % to 2%. Used in steel-making process. Bulk density: 1,900 – 2,400 kg/m3.
DIRECT REDUCED IRON
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) is the product of the direct reduction of iron ore in the solid state by carbon monoxide and hydrogen derived from natural gas or coal.
Most gas-based direct reduction plants are part of integrated steel mini-mills, located adjacent to the electric arc furnace (EAF) steel plant. DRI can be either hot or cold charged to the EAF.
