Thesis (PhD(Minerals and Resources))--University of South Australia, 2019. Includes bibliographical references (pages 218-233) As iron ores continue to decline in grade, low grade ores and concentrate levels in sinter feed blends for iron and steelmaking will continue to increase, thus posing granulation and sintering challenges, and impact on fuel consumption and plant operating cost. Hence, the need for this fundamental study, aimed at optimising sinter feed blends via applied studies and understanding of vital ore characteristics for enhanced granulation and sintering of sinter feed blends containing low grade iron oxide ores and high levels of magnetite concentrate.