Before all else, iron ore is mined from the earth.  Most of the world’s iron ore comes from open-pit mines.

Open-Pit Mining: Bulldozers and other equipment remove the soil and rocks that cover the iron ore deposit and then explosives break up the mass of ore into smaller pieces.

Once mined, the iron ore is transported to processing plants where it is broken down, separated from sand, and washed. The iron is also separated from the ore.