The production of steel from haematite ore involves a chemical process that includes reduction followed by oxidation. This process is commonly known as smelting and is essential for transforming iron ore into usable steel. Let's explore each step in detail:

1. Reduction:
- Reduction is the process of removing oxygen from a substance. In the case of steel production, the reduction of haematite ore (Fe2O3) is necessary to obtain pure iron (Fe) as the end product.
- This reduction process is typically carried out in a blast furnace, which is a large, cylindrical oven-like structure made of steel. It is lined with heat-resistant refractory bricks and has several layers inside.
- The haematite ore is mixed with coke (a form of carbon) and limestone (CaCO3) as flux. The coke serves as a reducing agent, while limestone acts as a flux to remove impurities.
- The mixture is fed into the blast furnace from the top, while hot air is blown into the furnace from the bottom. The hot air reacts with the coke, producing carbon monoxide (CO), which acts as the reducing agent.
- The carbon monoxide reduces the haematite ore, converting it into iron oxide (FeO). The reaction can be represented as:
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2FeO + 3CO2

2. Oxidation:
- Oxidation is the process of adding oxygen to a substance. In the steel production process, oxidation is necessary to convert the reduced iron oxide (FeO) back into pure iron (Fe).
- The reduced iron oxide (FeO) obtained from the blast furnace is further processed in a separate furnace called the converter or the Bessemer converter. This converter is lined with a basic refractory material to withstand the high temperatures.
- The reduced iron oxide is mixed with scrap iron and fluxes (such as limestone) in the converter. A controlled amount of air is blown into the converter, which oxidizes the impurities present in the reduced iron and also burns off any remaining carbon.
- The oxidation process removes impurities like silicon, manganese, and carbon, which are converted into oxides and form a slag. The slag floats on top of the molten iron and is later removed.
- The final product obtained after the oxidation process is pure iron, which can be further processed to obtain various grades of steel.

In summary, the chemical processes involved in the production of steel from haematite ore include reduction (converting Fe2O3 to FeO) and oxidation (converting FeO to pure iron). These processes occur in different stages, with reduction occurring in the blast furnace and oxidation occurring in the converter. The combination of these two processes is necessary to produce high-quality steel.