Abstract: A composition of matter is disclosed which is useful for agglomerating a metal-containing ore material in the presence of water and an alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder, the composition comprising an alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose and one or more salts derived from an alkali metal and a weak acid having a pK value higher than 3 and a molecular weight lower than 500 in an amount of at least 2%, calculated on the weight of the alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. The alkali metal salts of weak acids are preferably those derived from acetic acid, benzoic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, citric acid, nitrous acid, boric acid and carbonic acid.

Abstract: A process is provided for the agglomeration or pelletizing of metallic ores in the presence of water with a binder containing an alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose in an amount of at least 0.01%, calculated on the weight of the dry ore material, in combination with one or more salts derived from an alkali metal and a low-molecular weak acid having a pK value higher than 3 and a molecular weight lower than 500 in an amount of at least 2%, calculated on the weight of the alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose.