Traditional ironmaking is the process of producing iron from iron ore using a furnace. This method typically involves heating the ore with charcoal and limestone, which helps to remove impurities. The result is pig iron, a raw form of iron that can be further refined into various products. The most common type of furnace used in traditional ironmaking is the bloomer furnace, which dates back to ancient times. This technique was widely practiced until the advent of modern methods, such as the Bessemer process, which allowed for more efficient and higher-quality iron production.