Hi there, i have to admit it’s been some time since we tended to our old project :D I’m guessing you are (or were) stuck at “To the beach!” with no obvious way to turn your iron ore into bars. I had to look into it since i didn’t really remember how it’s supposed to work, but i found it and have to admit: the quest flow is kinda weird around that point.
minor spoiler ahead ;)
When you have 50 or more iron ore in your inventory (not sold) AND have a reputation level of at least 2 (can be gained from repeatable quests), you will get another questline unlocking and explaining the forge, where you can turn your ore into bars just like you produce goods in the building materials factory :)