Why do taconite pellets steam?

I've seen shots of the Duluth, Missabe, and Iron Range, and it seems that all the trains are steaming from the taconite. How come they ain't steaming when they pass through everywhere else, then?

Thanks!

I think taconite is heated while it gets toumbled about in a large drum style furnice to give it that round shape befor being loaded on the trucks and rail cars. The steam maybe the heat comeing off of them as they cool down??

Some rocks... limestone for one, can give off steam if they've been dehyradted... chemical reaction in re-hydrating gives off heat
(limestone is used in cement)


So,, just what is taconite? (chemically)

Also, the DM&IR steams the pellets to keep them from freezing together in the winter. It gets pretty cold up there in the winter.

Stuart

mp15ac wrote:Also, the DM&IR steams the pellets to keep them from freezing together in the winter. It gets pretty cold up there in the winter.

Stuart

But that would also be a function of how long they stay in the car... late pickup would result in frozen loads.... they must keep a tight loading schedule.