All about iron ore

Science investigation

By: esset
What are the physical and chemical
properties of Iron ore?
What are the physical and chemical
properties of Iron ore?
Physical properties of iron
• colour= light and dark grey can also sometimes be a reddish colour
• Lustre= shiny or a metallic colour
• Structure= It has a definite volume but no definite shape. It is rigid and highly in-compressible.
• Streak: grey
• Cleavage: Imperfect/Fair On {001}
• Hardness: 4½ on Mohs scale
• Density: 7.3 – 7.87 g/cm3 (Measured) 7.874 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Chemical properties of iron

Reactivity - with acid: When iron reacts with acid, it undergoes a chemical reaction. The acid molecules donate hydrogen to iron, which then
displaces the hydrogen from the acid. This results in the formation of iron salts, such as iron chloride or iron sulfate, and the release of
hydrogen gas.
Reactivity - with water/oxidation: Iron does not react significantly with water at room temperature. However, when iron is exposed to water
and oxygen over time, it can undergo a process called oxidation, leading to the formation of iron oxide, commonly known as rust. This
reaction occurs slowly and is accelerated in the presence of oxygen and moisture.
Melting point: 1536 °C
Boiling point: 2861 °C
In what type of rock (igneous,
metamorphic, sedimentary) can Iron be
found in?
In what type of rock (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary)
can Iron be found in?
It is found in sedimentary rocks. These sedimentary rocks contain
alternating layers of chert, a fine-grained silica rock, and iron-rich minerals.
How is iron ore formed (igneous,
metamorphic, sedimentary)?
How is iron ore formed (igneous,
metamorphic, sedimentary)?
• Iron can be found in sedimentary rocks which is When rocks have been weathered (broken into small
fragments), they form sediments which are eroded (transported) to a lower location where they are
deposited. some properties of sedimentary rocks is that they often have layers and tend to consist of lots of
small grains they also can have fossils trapped within them. According to one of the most widely accepted
explanations for the Earth's iron signature, the planet's relatively large size (in comparison to other rocky
bodies in the solar system) led to high pressure and high temperature conditions during core formation
that produced varying ratios of heavy and light iron.
Where in Australia can iron ore be
mined (provide a map showing its
location)?
Where in Australia can iron ore be mined (provide a
map showing its location)?
• With an annual production of about 80.7 million tonnes of iron ore, Yandi Mine in Western
Australia was the country's largest iron ore producer. After yandi mine the top three mine site
for iron ore are, Mount Whaleback Mine, Jimblebar Hub, Area C Mine, cumulatively
produced approximately 341 million tonnes of iron ore.
Who are the traditional custodians of the land
in which the mineral iron ore is mined on?
(There may be multiple Indigenous Countries).
 Who are the traditional custodians of the land in which
the mineral iron ore is mined on? (There may be
multiple Indigenous Countries).
• The Traditional Owners of the land with the highest producing iron ore ,is
the Banjima people, in the Yandi mine.
• The Traditional Owners of the land with the second highest producing
iron ore ,is the Martu people, in the Mount Whaleback Mine.
• The Traditional Owners of the land with the third highest producing iron
ore ,is the Nyiyaparli people, in the jimblebar hub mine.
• The Traditional Owners of the land with the forth highest producing iron
ore ,is the Banjima people, in the Area C mine.
How is iron ore prospected and extracted
from the ground (mining technique) and what
affect does this have on the environment?
How is iron ore prospected and extracted from the
ground (mining technique) and what affect does
this
•
have on the environment?
The 'open pit' approach is used by the majority of iron ore mining operations, in which miners drill into the rock and use
explosives to blast the ore-bearing material loose. The loosened ore is then gathered using enormous excavators. Open-pit
mining is one of the most destructive mining methods because it requires extensive vegetation, topsoil, and rock removal to
extract the ore deposits. It also produces a large amount of waste and has by-products that can adversely affect air and water
quality. Open-pit mining produces particulate matter from excavation, blasting, transportation, and fuel emissions. These
tiny particles can generate hazardous air pollutants and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.
What is the mineral iron ore used for? Think
materials we use in everyday life (Building,
cooking, fashion, manufacturing etc)
What is the mineral iron ore used for? Think materials we
use in everyday life (Building, cooking, fashion,
manufacturing etc)
• Iron, in general, was heavily used for tools and weapons in the past but Nowadays, we tend to
use iron to create steel, often used in manufacturing and civil engineering. Stainless steel, which
is highly resistant to corrosion, it’s commonly used in kitchen cutlery, appliances and cookware
– it’s also used for hospital equipment. Uses of iron in daily life include machinery and tools, as
well as vehicles, hulls of ships, structural elements for buildings, bridges and aircraft.
Since minerals are finite (limited) what will happen if we run out of
your chosen mineral? Consider effects on the environment, current
uses – do we have alternatives minerals or solutions, economy –
effects people’s jobs and businesses. (Include positive and negative
affects)
Since minerals are finite (limited) what will happen if we run out of your
chosen mineral? Consider effects on the environment, current uses – do we
have alternatives minerals or solutions, economy – effects people’s jobs
and businesses. (Include positive and negative
If we were to run out of iron ore on Earth, it would have significant effects on various aspects of our lives. Iron is currently used in a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, and infrastructure development. Without
iron, these industries would face major challenges and disruptions.

affects)
In the construction industry, iron is vital for reinforcing concrete and creating structural frameworks. Without iron ore, construction projects would be delayed, costs would increase, and safety could be compromised.

• Similarly, the manufacturing sector heavily relies on iron for producing machinery, appliances, vehicles, and consumer goods. A shortage of iron ore would lead to decreased production capacity, affecting the availability of essential products and
potentially causing job losses in the manufacturing sector.

• The transportation industry, including automotive, aerospace, and maritime sectors, also heavily depends on iron for manufacturing vehicles, ships, and aircraft. A scarcity of iron ore would impact the mobility of people and goods, potentially leading to
disruptions in supply chains and affecting jobs in transportation-related fields.

• However, it's important to consider potential alternatives and solutions. One possible alternative to iron is the use of advanced composite materials, such as carbon fiber, which are lightweight and strong. These materials could be used in place of iron in
certain applications, reducing our reliance on iron ore.

• If we were to run out of iron ore on Earth, it would have both positive and negative effects on people's jobs and businesses.

• Positive effects:
• 1. Exploration and mining companies: They would have new opportunities to explore and mine alternative minerals and resources, leading to the development of new industries and job creation.

• 2. Innovation and technology: The scarcity of iron ore could drive innovation and the development of new materials and technologies that rely less on iron, creating new job opportunities in research and development.

• Negative effects:
• 1. Job losses: The mining industry, which heavily relies on iron ore, would experience significant job losses, impacting the livelihoods of workers in this sector.
• 2. Steel and manufacturing industries: Without iron ore, the production of steel and other iron-based products would be severely affected, leading to job losses in these industries.

3. Economic impact: The scarcity of iron ore could lead to higher prices for iron-based products, affecting businesses and consumers. It could also impact global trade and economic growth.

Overall, the effects of running out of iron ore would be a mixed bag, with both positive and negative consequences for people's jobs and businesses. It would require adaptation, innovation, and investment in alternative resources and technologies.
List and explain how mining land in Western Australia can be
rehabilitated. Provide examples of any policies currently in
place to rehabilitate and protect environments where mine
sites are
situated.
 List and explain how mining land in Western Australia can be
rehabilitated. Provide examples of any policies currently
• Mining land in Western Australia can be rehabilitated through various measures to restore the environment. Some examples include:
in place
to rehabilitate and protect environments where mine sites are
• 1. Recontouring and reshaping: The land can be reshaped to resemble its original topography, ensuring proper drainage and minimising erosion risks.

•situated.
2. Soil restoration: Soil that has been disturbed or depleted can be rehabilitated by adding organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms to improve its
fertility and structure.

• 3. Revegetation: Planting native vegetation helps restore the ecosystem and provides habitat for local wildlife. Native plants are adapted to the local
conditions and can help prevent soil erosion.

• 4. Water management: Proper water management is crucial for rehabilitation. This includes controlling runoff, managing water quality, and establishing
appropriate drainage systems.

• 5. Monitoring and adaptive management: Regular monitoring of rehabilitated areas allows for adjustments and improvements to be made based on the
performance of the restoration efforts.

• In terms of policies, Western Australia has regulations and guidelines in place to ensure the rehabilitation and protection of mine sites and their
surrounding environments. One such policy is the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF), which requires mining companies to contribute funds towards the
rehabilitation of their sites. The MRF aims to ensure that sufficient financial resources are available for proper rehabilitation and closure of mining
operations.

• Additionally, the Western Australian Government has established the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to assess and regulate the environmental
impact of mining activities. The EPA sets guidelines and conditions for mining operations, including requirements for rehabilitation plans and monitoring.

• These policies and regulations help ensure that mining land in Western Australia is rehabilitated and protected, minimizing the long-term environmental
impact of mining activities.
Appreciation
Appreciation
Thank you for listening to my video i hope you enjoyed and learned something from
this video, don’t forget to subscribe, like and hit the bell to see more videos bye.