SELECTION OF IRON ORES: metallurgy

 SELECTION OF IRON ORES

The iron ores are taken out or extracted from earth by mining operations, While selecting the site for such mines, the following points should be carefully examined:

1. The iron ores available from mines should be rich in metallic iron content. For ores containing less percentage of metallic iron, considerable amount of coke and flux will be required and it will not be economical to manufacture
iron from such ores. 
2. The mines for the iron ores should be located suitably in both ways, geographically and geologically. By geographical location, it is meant that the mines should be easily accessible and they should be linked up with surrounding towns by suitable transport facilities. By geological location, it is meant that site for mines should not contain conditions which might develop complications in quarrying and mining operations.
3. The composition of gangue or substances associated with ore should also be carefully studied. Some substances are such that they will reduce the value of a rich iron ore while other substances are such that they will increase the value of lean iron ore.
4. The treatment and preparation to be given to the iron ores to make them suitable for blast furnace should be simple and cheap. For instance, the dense ores will require crushing or breaking up before use. This preliminary treatment becomes essential to increase the output.