Iron ore is the primary raw material used to make steel. Steel is strong, long-lasting and cost-efficient – making it perfect for everything from washing machines to cars, bridges and skyscrapers.

According to the World Steel Association, steel is the most commonly used alloy in the world. Global steel consumption is forecast to grow by 1%-2% per annum over the next decade. The first known steel application dates as far back as 11th century BC, in Cyprus where archaeologists found material suggesting that steel knives were already being made. Four centuries later, the Greek historian Herodotus referred to steel-inlaid bowls and, in the 3rd century BC, South Indian craftsmen were known to produce steel by smelting wrought iron with charcoal, using clay containers. The Bessemer process to manufacture steel was developed by British inventor Henry Bessemer in the mid-1850s. In the middle of the twentieth century, the Bessemer process was refined into the Basic Oxygen Process that is still used today in blast furnaces. Today, new technologies have great potential to improve how we engage with our markets. For example, our China portside customers can order iron ore via a mobile app.

Glen Metals Group into Iron Ore

We are one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore. Our iron ore operations in the Pilbara comprise a world-class, integrated network of 17 iron ore mines, 4 independent port terminals, a 1,900-kilometre rail network and related infrastructure. We produce these mainstream iron ore products in Western Australia, including Pilbara Blend, the world's most recognised brand of iron ore.

One of the world's largest robots

AutoHaul™, our first driverless heavy-haul, long-distance trains, deliver iron ore from our inland mines in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to our ports at Dampier and Cape Lambert. AutoHaul™ improves safety by reducing risk at level crossings and through its automated responses to speed restrictions and alarms. It also eliminates the need to transport drivers to and from trains mid-journey saving almost 1.5 million kilometres of road travel each year. It improves cycle times by using information about the train and rail network topography to calculate and deliver a safe, consistent driving strategy.

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