Method for producing high iron-content products from iron ore fines and biomass, and products thereof

The process of obtaining high iron product from iron ore fines and biomass comprising the steps of:

• a. mixing iron ore fines, biomass, binders, nanomaterials, additives, and catalysts in an intensive mixer;
• b. performing at least one step out of the group consisting of agglomeration and carbothermal reduction;
• and
• c. performing at least one step out of the group consisting of solid-solid separation, carbothermal reduction, and agglomeration,
• wherein the mixture obtained in step (a.) comprises at least 60 wt % iron ore fines, up to 30 wt % biomass;
• up to 15 wt % binders;
• up to 15 wt % nanomaterials;
• and up to 15 wt % chemical additives and catalysts,
• wherein the granulometry of the iron ore fines is less than 10 mm, with d90 between 10 μm and 8 mm;
• wherein the binders are selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, pregelatinized cassava or corn starch, plant resins, polymers, geopolymers, among others;
• and
• wherein the chemical additives may be based on C, Al, Ni, ferruginous kaolinite, or other material with high reduction potential, such as bauxite, alumina, polymers, and latex, among others, and may contain calcium and dolomite-based fluxants.