Iron smelting

Iron smelting is a process used to extract iron from its ore, primarily iron oxide, through heat and chemical reactions. In a furnace, iron ore is mixed with charcoal or coke as a fuel and limestone as a flux. When heated to high temperatures, the carbon reacts with oxygen in the ore, releasing molten iron, while impurities are separated and form slag. The resulting molten iron can then be molded into shapes or further processed into steel. This ancient technique has been vital in the production of tools, machinery, and construction materials throughout history and continues to be essential today.