The direct reaction of iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3, to give iron and oxygen gas is a nonspontaneous reaction;

Question:

The direct reaction of iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3, to give iron and oxygen gas is a nonspontaneous reaction; normally, iron combines with oxygen to give rust (the oxide). Yet we do change iron(III) oxide, as iron ore, into iron metal. How is this possible? Explain.