<p>Briquetting of coke fines presents significant challenges due to their hydrophobic nature, often resulting in unused and unprocessed fines generated during storage, handling, and transportation. This study explores the development of cold-bonded briquettes from coke fines for smelting in submerged arc furnaces, utilizing a specially formulated binder. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of various binders for cold bonding. Among the production methods examined, conventional technology outperformed the extrusion method in producing briquettes with superior properties. A novel binder, formulated with an optimized ratio of 4:2:4 for ordinary Portland cement, bentonite, and Pregel starch, was developed for effective agglomeration of coke fines. The briquettes were subjected to high-temperature testing to assess their reducibility and suitability for reduction studies. Characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to investigate the bonding mechanisms and cold-crushing strength. Pilot-scale trials demonstrated the performance of coke briquettes compared to standard coke. High-temperature and smelting studies revealed that the briquettes possess comparable properties to coke and are suitable for use in submerged arc furnaces for ferroalloy production.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>