British iron ores: their future use
The historical importance of the British iron ores is briefly outlined and descriptions presented of the major ore fields. There has been a decline in the use of home ore in recent years due to the changes in steelmaking and world transportation practices, the increase in known world reserves and the availability of iron ore on a world-wide basis. The continued use of home ores at four British Works at Corby, Scunthorpe and Workington is recognized, total production being expected to be maintained at 7-8 x 10 6 tonnes (Mt) per annum. The work done to beneficiate the ironstones is noted. Attention is drawn to the land-restoration problems associated with ironstone working. It is emphasized that, on the whole, this has been done well, to the extent that it is often difficult to see that mineral extraction has ever taken place.