This process consists of roasting iron ore in a reducing atmosphere, thus forming magnetic oxide of iron that is separated by crushing followed by magnetic separation. The internal structure of the kiln is so designed that the ore falls in a continuous veil through the current of reducing gases. Burners are distributed throughout the periphery of the kiln, so that roasting and reduction can be controlled in the various zones to the required temperature. Blast furnace gas for reduction passes into the center of the lower end of the kiln, while the gas and air for heating pass in from the circumference of the drum, nearer to the center and upper end of the furnace. The ingoing ore is crushed to give a maximum size of 20 mm, while the outgoing concentrate is crushed to 3.8 mm after cooling.