Editing Iron ore (section)

===Direct-shipping (hematite) ores===
Direct-shipping iron ore (DSO) deposits (typically composed of [[hematite]]) are currently exploited on all continents except [[Antarctica]], with the largest intensity in [[South America]], Australia, and Asia. Most large hematite iron ore deposits are sourced from altered banded iron formations and (rarely) igneous accumulations.

DSO deposits are typically rarer than the magnetite-bearing BIF or other rocks which form its main source, or protolith rock, but are considerably cheaper to mine and process as they require less [[beneficiation]] due to the higher iron content. However, DSO ores can contain significantly higher concentrations of penalty elements, typically being higher in phosphorus, water content (especially [[pisolite]] sedimentary accumulations), and aluminium ([[Clay mineral|clays]] within pisolites). Export-grade DSO ores are generally in the 62–64% Fe range.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Muwanguzi|first1=Abraham J. B.|last2=Karasev|first2=Andrey V.|last3=Byaruhanga|first3=Joseph K.|last4=Jönsson|first4=Pär G.|date=2012-12-03|title=Characterization of Chemical Composition and Microstructure of Natural Iron Ore from Muko Deposits|journal=ISRN Materials Science|language=en|volume=2012|pages=e174803|doi=10.5402/2012/174803|s2cid=56961299 |doi-access=free}}</ref>