Accordingly, this study first conducts a systematic comparative evaluation of the metallurgical behaviours of pellets and lump ore as standalone feed under a range of operating conditions. The study focus on critical factors presiding on the shaft furnace including reduction behaviour, sticking tendency, and low-temperature disintegration (LTD) characteristics in H2-CO atmospheres, at various reduction temperatures. Under the reduction conditions predetermined for the individual lump and pellet samples, the metallurgical quality of pellet–lump composites was further interrogated. Implication to full scale industrial shaft furnace utilising a mixed burden of lump and pellet was assessed. The outcomes are expected to provide a scientific basis and engineering guidance for defining an appropriate blending ratio and optimising operating parameters in hydrogen based reduction processes.