Abstract: A method of making a composite compact or briquette may include mixing a first particulate material with at most 15% by weight of a powder coating material to obtain a mixture, and compacting the mixture into a compact. Either the first particulate material, the powder coating material, or both are advantageously waste materials. The first particulate material has a metal content of at least 50% by weight. The compact can be cured at temperatures between 50° C. and 300° C. to obtain the composite briquette. The composite briquette may include a binding phase formed of the cured waste powder coating material, and a dispersed phase formed of the first particulate. The composite briquettes can be used as a secondary ore material.