The chief ores of iron are haemalite `(Fe_2O_3)` , magnetite `(Fe_3O_4)` , limonite `(FeO(OH))` and siderite `(FeCO_3)`.In the extraction of iron , oxides ores of iron, after concentration through calcination/roasting in reverberatory furnace are mixed with lime stone and coke and fed into a blast furnace. Here, the oxide is reduced to the metal.
Reducing species in the extractive metallurgy of iron from haematite ore is :

Options

A. CO
B. `CO_2`
C. `Al`
D. CaO

Explanation

To determine the reducing species in the extractive metallurgy of iron from hematite ore `(Fe_2O_3)`, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Extraction Process
The extraction of iron from its ores involves reducing the iron oxides to iron metal. The primary ores of iron include hematite `(Fe_2O_3)`, magnetite `(Fe_3O_4)`, limonite `(FeO(OH))`, and siderite `(FeCO_3)`. The process typically occurs in a blast furnace.

**Hint:** Identify the main steps involved in the extraction of iron from its ores.

### Step 2: Identify the Reducing Agents
In the blast furnace, carbon (in the form of coke) is commonly used as a reducing agent. During the process, carbon reacts with oxygen in the iron oxides to form carbon monoxide and iron.

**Hint:** Recall the common reducing agents used in metallurgy and their reactions with metal oxides.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
The reduction of hematite can be represented by the following reactions:
1. The initial reduction of hematite to magnetite:
\[ Fe_2O_3 + 3C \rightarrow 2Fe + 3CO \]
2. The subsequent reduction of magnetite to iron:
\[ Fe_3O_4 + C \rightarrow 3Fe + CO_2 \]

In these reactions, carbon monoxide `(CO)` is generated and can further reduce iron oxides.

**Hint:** Look at the specific reactions that occur during the reduction process and identify the products formed.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Options
The options provided are:
- A) Carbon monoxide
- B) Carbon dioxide
- C) Aluminium
- D) Calcium oxide

From the reactions, it is clear that carbon monoxide is a reducing agent that facilitates the reduction of iron oxides to iron.

**Hint:** Compare each option with the role they play in the reduction process.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the reducing species in the extractive metallurgy of iron from hematite ore is **carbon monoxide**.

**Final Answer:** A) Carbon monoxide