This research work is focused on the comparison between the catalytic effect of magnesium phosphate (powdered) and iron powder for the carbothermal reduction of barite. After admixing the powdered magnesium phosphate and powdered iron in matrix, the overall yields was found to increase effectively, while in practice it seldom exceeds 35 to 40 %. The addition of powdered magnesium phosphate increases the extent of reduction to the order of 51 to 56 % when compared to, 36 to 46 % by using iron powder. Hence results show that powdered magnesium phosphate is better catalyst than iron powder for the carbothermal reduction of barite. This may contribute a lot to the economy of the industry.
