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Abstract

A process for the simultaneous production of metallized ores and a char. A carbonaceous material such as coal is mixed on a weight ratio basis of about 1/2 coal to about 1 iron ore to about 11/2 or more coal to about 1 iron ore. The coal is mixed on a weight ratio basis with the iron ore within the ratios defined above and the mixture subjected to a heat treatment of between 1800.degree. F. to about 2200.degree. F. within a substantially air tight enclosure wherein in oxidizing atmosphere is provided in the upper portion of the enclosure and a reducing atmosphere is maintained about the materials on the floor of the enclosure. The floor of the enclosure comprises a travelling imperforate hearth with the speed of travel thereof variable so as to vary the residence time of the materials on the floor of the enclosure from the time of deposit of the materials on the hearth to the time of removal of the materials from the floor. The mixing of the coal and iron ore within the ratios defined above and by varying the temperature conditions within the enclosure along with the residence time of the materials on the floor of the enclosure will result in the production of a highly metallized ore, say in the neighborhood of 85% to 95% metallization or a slightly metallized ore, say in the neighborhood of about 55% to about 65%.

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