**4. Conclusions**

The raw siderite samples from the Hekimhan/Deveci region were subjected to calcination treatments at different temperatures (465, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800°C) for various duration time (5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60 min) using the electrical furnace. Both the results of the experiments and the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the most suitable calcination process was decided as 700°C for 15 min. The raw siderite (45, 60, 75, 90 min) and siderite calcined at 700°C (15, 30, 45, 60, 90 min) were milled. Significant behavioural differences between the two materials were identified. Calcination makes the grinding process much easier. The raw pellets were prepared by adding different bentonite ratios (8, 9, 10, 11, 12%) to the raw siderite and the calcined siderite which were milled for 90 and 60 min, respectively. The raw pellets were heated at a temperature of 1300°C which is the recrystallization temperature of hematite. Recrystallization was confirmed by SEM images and the process was confirmed to be successful. The product pellets were tested for compressive strength. The highest level of pellet strength was determined from the material obtained by grinding calcined siderite for 90 min. This pellet, which has a maximum strength value of 268 kgf, has an average durability of 28% higher than the pellet made of the raw siderite.

The results obtained in this study are listed below:

