Abstract
Within the last few years iron ore prereduction has emerged as a viable operation in many parts of the globe. Some processes which are commercial (or potentially so) are briefly reviewed, and the reasons for the apparent economic breakthrough of direct reduction are discussed. Present and projected uses of metallized ore indicate a market which could be supplied from Lake Superior resources. Upgrading these resources to meet the specifications for metallized material will be one of the future challenges facing the iron producing industry of this area.