Single Element Minerals - Iron

 Single Element Minerals

Iron @ the Baker Building 

Iron is used for the essential production of hemoglobin in our bodies. Without iron, our cells wouldn't receive the oxygen they need. Iron is also important for maintaining healthy muscles, bone marrow and overall organ function. Furthermore, iron is the primary raw material for making steel. Steel is widely used in construction, machinery, vehicles and countless other applications.  

Iron makes up about 5% of the Earth's crust and is the fourth most abundant element after oxygen, silicon, and aluminum. Iron ores are mined from the ground in massive open-cast mines in countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, China and South Africa. Iron is extracted from its ores through a process called smelting. 

The environmental consequences for mining iron are that it's such high demand leads to continuous mining and processing, generating large amounts of solid and liquid waste. Iron ore tailings, released after mineral processing, contain iron and manganese oxides, as well as high pH values. These tailings can be harmful to both animals and humans

Me with Iron!

Isabella Uhlik
Baker Building - May 1st, 2024



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