What is iron ore? - Info sheet

Iron ore is a collective term for minerals and rocks that are a source of metallic iron, which can be economically extracted. These natural resources are predominantly made up of iron oxides and vary in colour, including shades like dark grey, bright yellow, deep purple, and rusty red. Iron ore serves as the fundamental raw material for the creation of pig iron, which is an essential ingredient in the production of steel. In fact, steel production accounts for 98% of the iron ore mined globally. The importance of iron ore is often highlighted by industry experts who rank it as second only to oil in terms of its significance to the global economy.

The discovery of iron ore and the subsequent development of ironworking techniques brought about transformative changes in Britain, particularly from the beginning of the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age. The ability to extract and work with iron led to significant advancements in tools, weaponry, and infrastructure. The invention of the wheel, alongside the discovery of iron ore, played a pivotal role in revolutionising transportation and machinery, ultimately contributing to the progression of civilisation and the economy. These innovations marked a period of rapid technological and societal development, setting the stage for future industrial advancements.