The first step related to iron ore mining that is exploration involves hunting of iron ore mines.

The rocks and dust from the location expected to have an iron ore mine is taken for lab test and analyzed in various ways to determine the type of iron ore and the feasibility of obtaining iron from the mine. Based on the analysis of geological data and feasibility further actions of mine development are planned.

The second step of mine development mainly involves building and accumulation of several facilities, machineries and amenities required for extraction of iron ore from the mine. This step includes the necessary infrastructure development for safe and appropriate extraction operation. This step also stresses on the reclamation aspect that would be required after completing the extraction process.

The extraction operation includes excavation of iron ore from the mine. This includes the process of actual digging in the earths crust for the iron ore. This is a continuous process that could go on for years depending on the amount of iron ore deposit in the mine. The extraction process today involves optimum use of available latest resources for systematic production of the iron ore.

The ore beneficiation involves separation of iron ore from the other rocks. The beneficial plant needs arrangement for reuse of water from the mining pit that has exhausted, treatment of effluents and tailing disposals.

The iron ore mine closure and reclamation includes waste dump management, dump stabilization, managing soil erosion, wastewater management, returning condition of land as prior to mining so that it is suitable for use. The waste rock and soil is used for reclamation process. The soil erosion is avoided by giving proper slopes to the land. The most important step as far as environment issues are concerned is the plantation of trees suitable for the location so as to maintain the balance in ecosystem.

With latest developments in technology today various software’s are used to plan the mining process for extraction of iron ore from mines. Also satellite data is used to explore iron ore mines in different location of the world that makes the process easier than old days.