The correct answer is: a) Iron Ore.
Iron ore is a mineral that is used in the manufacturing of steel. It is the primary raw material used to make steel, and it is also used in other industries, such as the manufacture of iron and steel products, chemicals, and fertilizers.
Iron ore is found in a variety of forms, including hematite, magnetite, and taconite. Hematite is the most common type of iron ore, and it is found in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Magnetite is also found in both igneous and sedimentary rocks, but it is less common than hematite. Taconite is a type of iron ore that is found in sedimentary rocks. It is low in iron content, but it can be upgraded to produce high-grade iron ore.
Iron ore is mined in a variety of ways, including open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining is the most common method of mining iron ore, and it is used to mine ore that is close to the surface. Underground mining is used to mine ore that is located deep underground.
Iron ore is a valuable commodity, and it is traded on the global market. The price of iron ore is affected by a number of factors, including the supply and demand for iron ore, the cost of mining and processing iron ore, and the global economy.
The following are the other options in the question and a brief explanation of each:
- Manganese is a mineral that is used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of steel, batteries, and chemicals. It is also used in the production of alloys, such as manganese steel.
- Copper is a metal that is used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of electrical wiring, plumbing, and coins. It is also used in the production of alloys, such as brass and bronze.
- Zinc is a metal that is used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of batteries, alloys, and pigments. It is also used in the production of galvanized steel.