Mining of iron ores

NACE code 07.1 covers the mining and extraction of iron ores, a critical raw material for the global steel industry. Iron ore is an essential component in the production of steel, which is widely used in construction, transportation, machinery, and a variety of other applications. The mining of iron ores plays a vital role in supporting the broader manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, making it a key industry within the overall economy.

The mining of iron ores typically involves the extraction of iron-bearing minerals from the earth's crust. This is commonly done through open-pit mining techniques, where large-scale excavation equipment is used to remove the overburden and access the iron ore deposits. The extracted ore is then crushed, screened, and processed to concentrate the iron content, removing impurities and preparing the material for further processing in steel production facilities.

The primary inputs required for the mining of iron ores include the iron-bearing mineral deposits, heavy machinery and equipment for extraction and processing, as well as energy sources such as electricity or diesel fuel to power the mining operations. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including geologists, mining engineers, and equipment operators, to efficiently and safely extract and process the iron ore.

The primary output of the iron ore mining industry is the processed iron ore, which is then consumed by 24.1 Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys and other steel production facilities. The iron ore is a crucial raw material for the manufacture of a wide range of steel products, which are subsequently used in various industries, such as 25.1 Manufacture of structural metal products, 29.1 Manufacture of motor vehicles, and 41.2 Construction of residential and non-residential buildings.