A process for the production of metallic iron from low grade ferruginous clay containing iron ores

摘要

A process for the reduction of low grade ferruginous clay to metallic iron comprises roasting the ore at 900-1000 DEG C. in an excess of an oxygen containing gas and then subjecting the roasted ore in a fluidised state to a reducing gas. The reducing gas may be natural gas, hydrogen, carbon monoxide or mixtures thereof. The roasting and reducing steps may be carried out continuously in fluidised beds, the hot ore serving to heat the reducing gas and the metal being removed from the gauge by a magnetic separation. The reducing gas may be dried and recycled.