What is the most important chemical process in the extraction of any metal? State how the essential step is carried out in the extraction of iron.

Explanation

By reduction,
In case of iron, reduction takes place in blast furnace
`underset("Iron oxide")(Fe_2O_3)+ underset("monoxide")underset("Carbon")(3CO) rarr underset("Iron")(2Fe)+underset("Carbon dioxide")(3CO_2)`