The basic sintering characteristics of typical import iron ore used in HBIS Group were determined by mini-sintering method, the relationship between them and sinter quality was analyzed. The results reveal: the Brazilian iron ores have low assimilation and high self-intensity of binding phase, while Australian iron ores have high assimilation and low self-intensity of binding phase. For importing hematite, the liquid phase fluidity increases as its SiO₂ content increases and Al₂O₃ content decreases. The iron ore with high SiO₂ content is easy to produce SFCA. The iron ore has high self-intensity of binding phase, its sinter has high tumbler index. The suitable producing ability of SFCA will lead to high sintering yield; The iron ore has high assimilation, its sinter has high reducibility.