The term "iron oxide scale" here refers to the iron oxide layer formed and subsequently detached from the steel surface due to reactions with high-temperature air during processes such as hot rolling, forging, and heat treatment of steel. Its main components are FeO, Fe₃O₄, and Fe₂O₃. After collection, crushing, and magnetic separation, this type of iron oxide scale can be recycled as return feed for ironmaking, raw material for sintering, or industrial raw material for cement and ceramic pigments.