Ironmaking — common impurities found in iron ore used for metallurgy Which option correctly lists typical impurity elements associated with iron ores used in blast furnace practice?

Introduction / Context:
Iron ores (hematite, magnetite, limonite, etc.) contain gangue and minor elements that affect smelting, slag chemistry, and steel quality. Recognizing likely impurities guides beneficiation and flux selection.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Typical ores include silica-rich gangue.
• Trace elements such as sulphur and phosphorus must be controlled due to embrittlement risks.
• Manganese may be present and later used beneficially in steelmaking.

Concept / Approach:
Common ore impurities are silicon (as silica), sulphur, phosphorus, and manganese. Carbon is not an inherent impurity of the ore matrix; carbon enters later via coke in the furnace. Therefore, the grouped option listing Si, S, P, and Mn best represents practical metallurgy.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List common elements in ore and gangue: Si, S, P, Mn.Exclude carbon as it is not a natural ore constituent in significant amounts.Choose the option that groups Si, S, P, Mn together.

Verification / Alternative check:
Typical ore analyses in textbooks show silica as the major gangue with minor S, P, and Mn—targets for slagging and refining.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only carbon/phosphorus/silicon are incomplete. None ignores widely documented impurities.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ore impurities with blast furnace charge additions (coke carbon); conflating steel alloying elements with ore composition.

Final Answer:
Silicon, sulphur, phosphorus, and manganese