Iron ore is a mineral substance which, when heated in the presence of a reductant, yields metallic iron (Fe). It almost always consists of iron oxides, the primary forms of which are magnetite (Fe3O4) and hematite (Fe2O3).

Iron ore in Pakistan is of relatively good quality, with high iron content. There are also deposits of low-grade iron ore, which can be commercially exploited after beneficiation.

The government has been encouraging domestic and foreign investment in this sector to exploit the vast potential of iron ore resources in the country.