An ironmaking method includes ore beneficiating a high combined water content iron ore including a loss of ignition of 3 to 12 mass % into a goethite-rich part including at least a loss of ignition of 4 mass % or more and an iron content of 55 mass % or more; agglomerating the goethite-rich part into first fired pellets in a pellet induration furnace; and the first fired pellets into a shaft furnace while the first fired pellets have a surface temperature of 600? C. or higher, and directly reducing the first fired pellets using a reducing gas containing 60 volume % or more of hydrogen.

An ironmaking method includes ore beneficiating a high combined water content iron ore including a loss of ignition of 3 to 12 mass % into a goethite-rich part including at least a loss of ignition of 4 mass % or more and an iron content of 55 mass % or more; agglomerating the goethite-rich part into first fired pellets in a pellet induration furnace; and the first fired pellets into a shaft furnace while the first fired pellets have a surface temperature of 600? C. or higher, and directly reducing the first fired pellets using a reducing gas containing 60 volume % or more of hydrogen.