How to extract iron from hematite?

Hematite, also known as iron oxide, is a common iron ore mineral that is widely distributed around the world. The extraction of iron from hematite involves a complex process, including several stages of crushing, grinding, and concentration.

Here is a brief overview of the extraction process:

Crushing and grinding: Hematite is first crushed and ground into a fine powder.

Magnetic separation: The powdered hematite is then passed through a magnetic separator to remove any magnetite, which can be easily separated due to its magnetic properties.

Gravity separation: The remaining hematite is then subjected to gravity separation, which separates the heavier iron particles from the lighter gangue minerals.

Froth flotation: If the iron concentration is still low after gravity separation, the hematite can be further processed using froth flotation. In this process, a mixture of water, chemicals, and air is passed through the hematite to create a frothy mixture. The iron particles attach to the froth and are separated from the gangue minerals.

Drying and smelting: The final step involves drying the concentrate and smelting it to produce pig iron.

Overall, the extraction of iron from hematite involves a complex process that requires the use of several different techniques. However, the end result is a valuable metal that is widely used in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation.