In this paper, the reduction and separation behaviour of iron and slag in carbon composite iron ore pellets has been investigated experimentally using an electric resistance furnace simulating a rotary hearth furnace process. The factors that affect the formation of iron nuggets, such as temperature, holding time, molecular ratio of C/O and basicity, are discussed._x000D_
Results show that the reduction of iron ore, carburisation of reduced iron and the composition and quantity of slag are very important for producing iron nuggets. Through optimisation of process parameters, iron nuggets can be formed below 1300C when holding time is 20 minutes, C/O is 0.7 and basicity less than 0.5. This study provides a theoretical and technical basis for iron nugget production._x000D_
CITATION:Duan, D, Han, H, Wang, X and Li, T, 2013. Iron nugget production technology in rotary hearth furnace process at lower temperature, in Proceedings Iron Ore 2013, pp 363-368 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).