The document discusses the history and uses of iron. It then describes the processes of extracting iron from iron ore and manufacturing steel. Iron has been used for over 4000 years, and was first extracted around 3000 BC in Egypt. It is strong yet malleable and is used for tools, weapons, infrastructure and machinery. Iron ore is smelted in blast furnaces and cupola furnaces to produce pig iron and cast iron. Steel is made by further processing pig iron in open hearth, basic oxygen or electric furnaces.