Induration of ilmenite pellets by oxidation is an essential step in the pelletization process since it decides the physical and metallurgical properties of the pellets. In this regard, the induration parameters such as temperature and roasting time have been optimized to obtain good quality ilmenite pellets made of concentrates obtained from low-grade ilmenite ores of Odisha, India. The oxidation temperature of 900 degrees C at a short roasting time of 15 min has been found suitable to achieve recommended requirements of various pellet properties such as cold compressive strength, porosity, metallization, tumble, and abrasion indices. X-ray diffraction and miaostructural analysis indicate that the reaystallization of hematite in the oxidation process improves the mechanical strength of the pellets. In contrast, the formation of ferric pseudobrookite phase at 1000 degrees C and 1100 degrees C oxidation temperatures impairs the pellet strength. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.