In a continuous process for the production of carburized iron, the ore is first treated, at a temperature below that at which sintering occurs and for such time that reduction is 70-98% complete, with a reducing gas containing a major proportion of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, the reducing gas being drawn at least partially from the final stage of the process. The partially reduced ore is then charged below the surface of a bath of carburized iron, oxygen-containing gas also being charged below the surface, the amount of oxygen being such that a minimum quantity of carbon dioxide is liberated. The bath may be recarburized by blowing in cracked methane or natural gas, or the initial reduction stage may be carried out under such conditions that solid carbon is deposited on the partially reduced ore. The partially oxidized gases leaving the first stage reduction may be burnt for use in heat-exchangers or may be freed of carbon dioxide and steam and recirculated.
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