The crushing strength and reduction rate of a carbon-containing pellet (composite) prepared from a cold-bonded pellet (CP) and coke oven gas (COG) tar are examined. The peak of the pore size distribution profile, at approximately 2 nm, observed in the as -prepared CP decreases with the increase in the mixture ratio of tar to CP and completely disappears for the composites prepared above a mixture ratio of 1.0, and the SBET and 'NH values are <1 m(2)/g and <0.01 cm(3)/g, respectively. The crushing strength of the composites increases with the increase in the mixture ratio of tar to CP and becomes 10 daN from 1.0 daN, above a mixture ratio of 2.0. Carbonaceous material derived from tar is detected on the surface of the composite particle, as well as inside the particle, and the C content in the composite is 22 mass%-C. When the composites are heated in He and 55% H-2/He, the evolution of CO, CO2, and H2O starts at approximately 400 and 500 degrees C, respectively, and the formation profiles indicate a large peak at approximately 800-900 degrees C. The extent of reduction of the composites at 1000 degrees C is 85-95%. The crushing strength of the dehydrated-CP decreases drastically up to a reduction extent of 50%, whereas the strength of the composites is maintained at a reduction rate up to 50% and then decreases with the increase in the reduction rate.