Iron Ores for Pig Iron — Most Common Feed to the Blast Furnace Which iron ore is most widely used for the production of pig iron in blast furnaces?

Introduction / Context:
Pig iron is produced in a blast furnace by reducing iron oxides with coke. The choice of ore affects fuel rate, slag volume, and furnace productivity. Understanding common ore feeds is foundational in ironmaking.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Commercial-scale blast furnace ironmaking is considered.
• Ores are compared by abundance, ease of beneficiation, and suitability for agglomeration.
• We assume standard fluxes and coke are available.

Concept / Approach:
Haematite (Fe2O3) is the most widely used ore for pig iron because of its abundance, high iron content, and favorable properties during sintering or pelletizing. While magnetite is also important (often oxidised to hematite during pelletizing), hematite has historically dominated as sinter/pellet feed in many regions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List major ores: hematite, magnetite, limonite/goethite, siderite.Evaluate industrial usage: hematite is extensively mined and processed into sinter/pellets.Select haematite (Fe2O3) as the most common BF feedstock.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industry data and textbooks consistently identify hematite-rich ores as principal BF raw materials globally.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Magnetite requires additional oxidation energy if used directly; it is used but not as universally as hematite.Limonite/goethite have high combined water; they are used regionally but less favored.Siderite is less common and requires calcination to remove CO2.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming local mining trends apply globally; the question seeks the general, textbook-level answer.

Final Answer:
haematite (Fe2O3)