The process of extraction of iron from its ore is

The process of extracting iron from its ore involves the reduction of the iron oxide (Fe2O3) in the ore to iron metal. This is achieved through a chemical reaction between the iron oxide and carbon (in the form of coke) in a blast furnace. First, the iron ore is crushed and mixed with coke and limestone. The coke, which is mostly carbon, serves as a reducing agent by combining with the oxygen in the iron oxide to form carbon dioxide (CO2). This reaction produces heat and carbon monoxide (CO). The carbon monoxide then reacts with the iron oxide to produce iron metal and more carbon dioxide. The limestone is added to the furnace to remove impurities such as silica (SiO2) that would otherwise interfere with the chemical reaction. The molten iron is then tapped off from the bottom of the furnace and can be further processed into steel.