Ferrous metallurgy is the branch of metallurgy that focuses on the production and processing of iron and its alloys, primarily steel. This field involves extracting iron from its ores, such as hematite and magnetite, and refining it to create various forms of iron and steel with specific properties for different applications. The processes in ferrous metallurgy include smelting, where iron ore is heated with carbon in a furnace to produce molten iron, and alloying, which involves adding other elements like carbon or manganese to enhance strength and durability. These techniques are essential for manufacturing a wide range of products, from construction materials to automotive components.