In this study, the distinctive sintering performance of 100% limonitic laterite was investigated through sinter pot tests, industrial data comparison, theoretical analysis and mineralogy determination. The optimum sinter indices including tumble index, productivity and solid fuel rate were attained at 1.4 basicity as follows: 45.87%, 0.97 t.m(-2).h(-1) and 140.52 kg/L respectively. The limit of liquid phases at lower basicity and diffusion of low-strength binding phases, deterioration of SFCA structure and weakened consolidation between hercynite and liquid phases at higher basicity were observed, which was deleterious to sinter. However, the optimum sintering performance of limonitic laterite was far poorer than that of ordinary iron ores, attributed to only 8.78% of acicular SFCA, higher sinter porosity of 48.92%, poorer wettability of high viscosity liquid phases on hercynite and extensive formation of high melting liquid phases and solid phases. It is crucial to develop effective technologies to improve sintering performance of this refractory limonitic laterite. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.