The influence of replacement of CaO by MgO was studied at constant basicity indices in the basicity (B equals CaO plus MgO/SiO//2 plus Al//2O//3) range of 0. 7-1. 9. MgO had a marked effect on sinter mineralogy and contributed to lowering the degree of oxidation and reducibility. The decrease is attributed to increase in the magnetite and suppression of hematite and ferrite phases and increased FeO participation in the slag formation process. The extent of decrease is dependent on the basicity and MgO/CaO ratio.