PROCESS FOR THE DIRECT REDUCTION OF IRON-OXIDE-CONTAINING MATERIAL

The invention relates to a method for direct reduction of materials containi ng iron oxide using a reduction gas containing CO and H2 in at least one fluidized bed reduction zone, whereby the used reduction gas containing CO2 coming out of the at least one fluidized bed reduction zone is recirculated and a fresh reduction gas is produced by CO2 reforming of the used reduction gas and a gas containing methane, especially natural gas. CO2 reforming and direct reduction are carried out at a pressure of at least 4 bar overpressur e in order to substantially prevent carbon formation and deposition and in ord er to keep the size of the reactor receiving the reduction zone small, whereby the reduction zone is exposed to an amount of reduction gas complying with metallurgical requirements.