Process for cold briquetting and pelletization of ferrous or non-ferrous ores or mineral fines by iron bearing hydraulic mineral binder

A process for cold briquetting and pelletization of ferrous or non-ferrous ores or mineral fines using iron bearing hydraulic mineral binders for metallurgical applications, said process comprising the steps:

• (a) mixing 84-95% by Wt. of a metallurgical or mineral or carbonaceous or oil contaminated material in the form of dust or fines or sludge with 4-10% by Wt. of an iron bearing hydraulic mineral binder and optionally with 2-6% by Wt. water and 0.05 to 0.20% by Wt. of a surface active agent to form a homogenized dry mix or slurry;
• (b) pelletizing or compacting the dry mix or slurry of step (a) to form an agglomerated mass;
• and
• (c) curing the agglomerated mass of step (b) for 3-20 days by exposing the agglomerated mass to atmospheric air for 10-14 hours per day followed by moisturizing the agglomerated mass.