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How is iron obtained from its ore?
Iron ore consists of the element iron combined with other elements, mostly oxygen. During smelting, the iron ore is heated with carbon. The carbon combines with the oxygen and carries it away, leaving iron. Carbon was originally obtained from charcoal derived from wood, but in the early 1700s furnaces began to use coke derived from coal. Blast furnaces are so hot that they melt the iron, which is drained off and poured into moulds to form bars, called ingots.
The production of iron involves the use of iron ore, limestone, and coke.
The production of iron involves the use of iron ore, limestone, and coke.
 
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