Blast-furnace smelting is a metallurgical process used to convert iron ore into metallic iron, typically for further refining into steel. In this process, iron ore, coke (a type of coal), and limestone are fed into a blast furnace. A blast of hot air is blown into the furnace, igniting the coke and generating high temperatures. The coke serves as a reducing agent, reacting with the iron ore to produce molten iron. The molten iron, known as pig iron, collects at the bottom of the furnace and is periodically tapped off. This process also generates slag, a byproduct that floats on top of the molten iron and is removed.