An alternative to the traditional quantification of iron ore sinter mineralogy is presented through the use of QEMSCAN instrumentation. The classification of minerals by QEMSCAN is based on chemical composition whilst the traditional classification of iron ore sinter mineralogy, through point counting, is based on morphology. The classification of iron ore sinter minerals through XRD is based on crystal structure. Advantages of the QEMSCAN technique include the ability to distinguish magnesio ferrites from calcio magnetites and the fact that calcium ferrite and silico-ferrite of calcium and aluminium (SFCA) distinction is not dependant on the sectioning of the sample mount. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.