# 01:33 ET MagIron Demonstrates Excellent Direct Reduction Pellet Quality in Latest Test Program MagIron LLC \("MagIron" or the "Company"\) is pleased to announce excellent results from its first full pot-grate pellet test program, further...

Canonical Atlas analysis: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6

Original source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-latest-test-program-302856056.html

Publisher: prnewswire

Original announcement: 2026-08-20T05:45:33.915Z

Analysis by Minestarters Atlas

Atlas analysis published: Unknown date

Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date

- Company: MagIron LLC

- Ticker: Unavailable

- Exchange: Unavailable

- Region: Minnesota

- Primary commodity: Iron ore

- Secondary commodities: None reported

- Document categories: Metallurgy

- Extracted: 2026-08-20 06:01:39 UTC

Narrative sentiment: 0.90 · Bullish

## Minestarters Atlas summary

MagIron LLC announced excellent results from its first full pot-grate pellet test program, demonstrating the high quality of its Direct Reduction \(DR\) grade pellets. The tests, conducted by independent experts, showed an exceptional iron content of 67.1% with very low impurities like sulfur and phosphorus. The pellets also exhibited strong physical characteristics and outstanding metallurgical performance, including high degrees of metallization and reduction, making them a premium feedstock for modern DRI plants.

Reasoning: MagIron's first full pot-grate pellet test program demonstrates excellent quality DR-grade pellets with high iron content, very low impurities, and strong physical and reduction properties, positioning them as a premium feedstock for low-carbon steelmaking.

- Positive factor: Exceptional iron grade \(67.1% Fe\) for DR pellets.

- Positive factor: Extremely low levels of key impurities \(Sulfur <0.001%, Phosphorus 0.027%, SiO2 2.5%, Al2O3 0.23%\).

- Positive factor: Excellent physical properties including high Cold Compressive Strength \(730 lbf/pellet\) and Tumble Index \(96.8%\).

- Positive factor: Outstanding metallurgical performance with high Degree of Metallization \(up to 97.7%\) and Degree of Reduction \(97%\).

- Positive factor: Pellets demonstrate suitability as a premium, high-stability feedstock for modern Direct Reduction Iron \(DRI\) plants and shaft-furnace operations.

- Positive factor: Test program conducted by independent experts \(NRRI\) using standardized testing.

Low confidence — this extraction should be reviewed alongside the original source.

Facts used in scoring: 11

## Classification and evidence

**High Recovery**

Polarity: positive

Definition: Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.

Why it applies: The pellets achieved a high degree of metallization \(up to 97.7%\) and reduction \(97%\), which are exceptional for direct reduction processes.

Evidence · text

> High degree of reduction, with an R90 \(ISO 11258\) result of 97% demonstrating efficient oxygen removal under DR conditions. High metallization of over 97%

**Free Milling**

Polarity: positive

Definition: Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation.

Why it applies: The document highlights low impurity levels \(Sulfur <0.001%, Phosphorus 0.027%, SiO2 2.5%, Al2O3 0.23%\) and mentions 'low impurity iron ore concentrate', suggesting a clean ore amenable to standard processing.

Evidence · text

> representative of the high-grade concentrate the Company is targeting from commercial operations with the proven capability to produce lower silica product depending on customer requirements.

**Mill Route**

Polarity: neutral

Definition: Processing via mill or concentrator \(CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation\).

Why it applies: The process involves producing concentrate and then pelletizing it, which is characteristic of a mill route for iron ore.

Evidence · text

> pellets were produced from concentrate generated at NRRI during MagIron's 2025 pilot plant program

**QP/CP Signed**

Polarity: positive

Definition: Qualified Person \(QP\) or Competent Person \(CP\) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association \(e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo\) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: The test program was performed in collaboration with independent experts at the Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\) of the University of Minnesota, implying qualified oversight.

Evidence · text

> This test program was performed in collaboration with independent experts at the Natural Resources Research Institute \("NRRI"\) of the University of Minnesota.

## Extracted facts

Stored fact records: 11. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.

## Metallurgical Results (11)

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-0)

iron\_ore

#### Identity

- Commodity: iron\_ore
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\). Physical properties: Average CCS 730 lbf/pellet, Tumble Index 96.8 % \(+6.3mm\), Porosity 32.1 %, Swelling \(ISO 4698\) 22.9 %, Linder RDI -3.15 \(ISO 11257\) 0.13 %, Reducibility Index R 40 \(ISO 11258\) 1.81, Reducibility Index R 90 \(ISO 11258\) 0.46, HYL Reducibility 8.79, HYL LTD +6.3mm, -3.2, UP 98.7, 1.04, 98.9.

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 67.1
- Head Grade Unit: %

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The high iron content and very low impurity levels, combined with excellent physical properties, indicate a premium quality DR-grade pellet.

- Positive factor: Exceptional iron grade \(67.1% Fe\) for DR pellets.

- Positive factor: Extremely low levels of key impurities \(Sulfur <0.001%, Phosphorus 0.027%, SiO2 2.5%, Al2O3 0.23%\).

- Positive factor: Excellent physical properties including high Cold Compressive Strength \(730 lbf/pellet\) and Tumble Index \(96.8%\).

Evidence · table

> 67.1 %

Context: Total Fe

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-1)

silicon

#### Identity

- Commodity: silicon
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 2.5
- Head Grade Unit: % SiO2

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The low silica content contributes positively to the overall quality of the DR-grade pellets.

- Positive factor: Low silica content \(2.5% SiO2\) is a key quality indicator for DR pellets.

Evidence · table

> 2.5 %

Context: SiO 2

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-2)

aluminum

#### Identity

- Commodity: aluminum
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 0.23
- Head Grade Unit: % Al2O3

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The very low alumina content significantly enhances the quality of the DR-grade pellets.

- Positive factor: Very low alumina content \(0.23% Al2O3\) is a key quality indicator for DR pellets.

Evidence · table

> 0.23 %

Context: Al 2 O 3

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-3)

calcium

#### Identity

- Commodity: calcium
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 1.24
- Head Grade Unit: % CaO

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Calcium oxide content is an important factor in pellet chemistry for direct reduction processes.

Evidence · table

> 1.24 %

Context: CaO

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-4)

sulfur

#### Identity

- Commodity: sulfur
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 0.001
- Head Grade Unit: %

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The near-zero sulfur content is an exceptional quality for DR pellets, minimizing environmental and processing issues.

- Positive factor: Extremely low sulfur content \(<0.001%\) is critical for high-quality DR pellets and steelmaking.

Evidence · table

> <0.001%

Context: Sulfur

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-5)

phosphorus

#### Identity

- Commodity: phosphorus
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 0.027
- Head Grade Unit: %

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The low phosphorus content contributes positively to the quality of the DR-grade pellets for steelmaking.

- Positive factor: Low phosphorus content \(0.027%\) is important for steel quality.

Evidence · table

> 0.027 %

Context: Phosphorus

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-6)

magnesium

#### Identity

- Commodity: magnesium
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 0.07
- Head Grade Unit: % MgO

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Magnesium oxide content is a factor in pellet chemistry for direct reduction processes.

Evidence · table

> 0.07 %

Context: MgO

### pot-grate pellet test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-7)

manganese

#### Identity

- Commodity: manganese
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: pot-grate pellet test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from pot-grate test, averaged over five batches \(500 lbs\).

#### Recovery

- Head Grade: 0.05
- Head Grade Unit: % MnO

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Manganese oxide content is a factor in pellet chemistry for direct reduction processes.

Evidence · table

> 0.05 %

Context: MnO

### direct reduction test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-8)

iron\_ore

#### Identity

- Commodity: iron\_ore
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: direct reduction test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from direct reduction test.

#### Recovery

- Recovery: 97.7 %
- Recovery Basis: actual\_test

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The exceptional metallization rate confirms the high quality and suitability of the pellets for direct reduction processes.

- Positive factor: Very high degree of metallization \(97.7%\) indicates efficient conversion to metallic iron, crucial for DR pellets.

Evidence · table

> 97.7 %

Context: Degree of Metallization \(ISO 11257\)

### direct reduction test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-9)

iron\_ore

#### Identity

- Commodity: iron\_ore
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: direct reduction test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from direct reduction test.

#### Recovery

- Recovery: 97 %
- Recovery Basis: actual\_test

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The exceptional reduction rate confirms the high quality and suitability of the pellets for direct reduction processes.

- Positive factor: High degree of reduction \(97%\) indicates efficient oxygen removal, a critical requirement for DRI producers.

Evidence · table

> 97 %

Context: Degree of Reduction \(ISO 11258\)

### direct reduction test

[Link to this fact](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/01-33-et-magiron-demonstrates-excellent-direct-reduction-pellet-quality-in-lates--a6f6a081-c1e9-42ba-8756-37ec64fcc9d6#fact-metallurgical-facts-10)

iron\_ore

#### Identity

- Commodity: iron\_ore
- Region: minnesota
- Reported Region: Minnesota

#### Test Work

- Program Status: preliminary
- Test Type: direct reduction test
- Processing Route: direct reduction pellet production
- Sample: DR-grade pellet composite from direct reduction test.

#### Recovery

- Recovery: 97.3 %
- Recovery Basis: actual\_test

#### Lab

- Laboratory: Natural Resources Research Institute \(NRRI\)

#### Review

- Needs Review: No
- Historical: No

#### Dates

- Event date: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The exceptional metallization rate confirms the high quality and suitability of the pellets for direct reduction processes.

- Positive factor: Very high degree of metallization \(97.3%\) indicates efficient conversion to metallic iron, crucial for DR pellets.

Evidence · table

> 97.3 %

Context: Degree of Metallization \(ISO 11258\)

## How Atlas produces this analysis

Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.