Abstract: A process is described for forming highly dense, metal briquettes of reduced size which are suitable for direct melting in an electric induction furnace. A finely divided metal ore concentrate is intermixed with a finely divided carbonaceous reductant thermosetting binder having a low volatile content consisting essentially of 1 to 20% of either coal tar pitch or gilsonite. The intermixture is then compressed to form compressed, compact briquettes ranging in size from two or more inches in diameter to two or more inches in height. The compact briquettes are then heated in a first step at a temperature ranging from approximately 350.degree. to 550.degree.F. in order to caramelize the reductant binder to form tough, handleable, hard briquettes. The briquettes are then further heated in a second step to a temperature ranging from 1,900.degree. to approximately 2,200.degree.F.