Iron ore fines are small particles of iron ore, typically less than 6.3 mm in size, produced during mining and crushing. They contain iron-bearing minerals and are commonly used in steelmaking after agglomeration processes like sintering or pelletizing, because their fine size makes them unsuitable for direct use in blast furnaces. Iron ore fines are traded globally based on iron content and impurities, with grades affecting price and suitability. They are widely used by integrated steel plants as a primary raw material.
Iron ore fines are granular to powdery solids with particle sizes below 6.3 mm. They are reddish-brown to dark gray in color, have high bulk density, and show good flowability when dry. Moisture content affects their handling, as fines can become cohesive and dusty, influencing storage, transport, and processing behavior. They possess varying hardness and porosity depending on mineral composition, with magnetite or hematite dominance influencing magnetic response and specific gravity.
| Quality Aspect | Iron Ore Fines |
| Particle Size | Fine, less than 6.3 mm |
| Iron Content | High (typically 58–65% Fe) |
| Impurities | Contains silica, alumina, phosphorus, and sulfur |
| Magnetic Properties | Depends on hematite or magnetite content |
| Moisture Content | Varies; affects handling and transport |
| Agglomeration Suitability | Can be pelletized or sintered for blast furnaces |
| Economic Value | Widely traded and cost-effective raw material |
| Consistency | Grade can vary depending on source |
