Process for the production of iron ore fines agglomerate and the agglomerated product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the production of iron ore fines agglomerate, resistant to handling, transport, and contact with water. The process consists of mixing iron ore fines with sodium silicate, nanomaterials, catalyst, fluxes and plasticizer; adjusting the moisture of the mixture; agglomerating the mixture by pelletizing, briquetting or extrusion; performing curing at room temperature. The process does not require energy input for heat treatment and allows obtaining an agglomerated product with high physical and metallurgical performance to replace metallic load, including sinter, in reduction furnaces, without the emission of harmful gases such as CO2, dioxins, furans, and SOx.