Iron ore is a type of mineral and rock from which metallic iron is extracted economically. The primary types of iron ore deposits are hematite, magnetite, goethite, limonite, and siderite. Hematite and magnetite are the most commonly mined iron ores, and they often occur as oxides or carbonates.

The extraction of iron from iron ore involves various processes, including mining, crushing, grinding, concentration, pelletizing, and smelting.