Abstract: Proper gaseous composition was determined by means of thermodynamic analysis, based on the results of which,the kinetic behaviors of the stepwise reaction in the course of the reduction of preoxidized ilmenite, Fe³⁺→Fe²⁺ and Fe²⁺→Fe, were investigated. According to the kinetic analysis and the microstructure examination of the cross-section of partially reacted grains, the nucleation and growth of the newly formed phases were the rate-controlling step for the overall reduction of ilmenite under the experimental conditions. The apparent reaction rate constants of the two stepwise reactions were determined.