Abstract: Binder compositions for agglomerating iron ore fines are provided, the compositions comprising: (a) about 30 to about 80% by weight one or more types of anionic or nonionic acrylamide-containing polymer; (b) about 10 to about 35% by weight one or more types of inorganic or organic monomeric electrolyte; and (c) about 10 to about 35% one or more types of finely ground wood fiber. A process for preparing iron ore pellets with the binder compositions is also provided, the process comprising: (i) adding a binder composition to particulate iron ore to form a mixture; and (ii) forming the mixture into pellets.