Laboratory sintering of sinter charge based on hematite and magnetite iron ores of various sizes was carried out. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the type and size of the ore material on the gas permeability of the sintered layer, sintering performance and the need for fuel. The granulometric composition, cold strength, strength during recovery, and reducibility of the resulting agglomerate have been studied. Differences in the course of the process of agglomeration of hematite and magnetite ores at different sizes were revealed in the research. The established patterns have practical interest from the point of view of increasing the efficiency of the sintering process, improving the quality of the sinter and reducing the harmful impact on the environment.