Iron - A strategic chemical element that permeates history, economy and society.

Abstract

Iron is the 4th most abundant element on the earth crust and it has an important role in several geochemical and biological processes. The importance of the steel for the industrial development of a country makes the iron ore extraction a strategic input responsible for part of the world commerce. Brazil is one of the largest iron ore producers in the world: Actually, it is a primary commodity and one of the most important items of its exports. In the present paper, the main sources of iron, how it is available in the nature, its occurrence, its processing and the steel production will be presented. A critical analysis of its importance for the economical and social development of the country will be briefly discussed.