A process evolved for dealing with pyrite roasting residues rich in zinc (8% to 10%). The direct reduction takes place in a short rotary drum that has a rammed tar-dolomite lining. Lime is added to produce a highly basic slag; the pyrite cinders, precalcined, are mixed with coke breeze and fired with pulverized coal burners. The zinc is recovered from the waste gases. The drum works discontinuously in 7-h heats, and the capacity of such a plant is limited in comparison with a blast furnace. The product is a liquid pig iron.