noun
iron ore
Refers to the raw mineral from which iron can be extracted. Used in mining, metallurgy, and industrial contexts.
オーストラリアは鉄鉱石の主要な輸出国です。
Australia is a major exporter of iron ore.
鉄鋼 refers to iron and steel as materials, while 鉄鉱石 is the raw ore before smelting.
Compound of 鉄 (iron), 鉱 (ore), and 石 (stone). The reading is on'yomi throughout.