Abstract: The fusion-flow processes of seven various types of imported iron ore fines were studied with visual high-temperature equipment.The evaluation indices T₃₀, T₅₅, T_R and S_R, which represent fusion characteristics, were determined on the fusing curve.Then, the fusion characteristics of various iron ore fines in sintering were observed according to the indices.The results show that limonite from Australia is prone to generate liquid phase, but it is marked with bad properties known as a thinner temperature-range, inferior temperature-operation and a lower safety.Semi-limonite ores from Australia are slightly better than the limonite in temperature-operation, but the effective liquid phase amount of the semi-limonite is sufficient under low-temperature sintering conditions.The fusion characteristics of hematite from Australia, South Africa and southern Brazil are relatively appropriate, and the former one is easier to generate liquid phase while the last two have better temperature-operation and safety.It is revealed that concentrates from south Brazil and hematite from northern Brazil are difficult to generate liquid phase.The ore matching optimization principles based on fusion characteristics were proposed by studying on the fusion characteristics of various iron ore fines.