Abstract: Pellet-shaped calcium hydroxide forming part of the mixture of flux and ores in electrothermal calcium carbide furnaces is calcined. The pellets are made by granulating or briquetting moist calcium hydroxide, delivered to a sintering grate and conveyed thereon through a heating zone, wherein high temperatures are produced by the combustion of gas, above the grate, and wherein the combustion gas is exhausted, below the grate. The calcium hydroxide pellets are more especially placed on to the grate, covered with a layer of broken limestone and the undried pellets are directly conveyed through the heating zone, in an apparatus for carrying out the process.