The analysis presented herein shows that the impact of sinter FeO on BF fuel rate is more significant at higher productivity levels (greater driving rates) than sinter RDI. Since typical levers to control sinter RDI are not available (gangue content, etc.) at Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) due to the significant proportion of sinter in the BF burden, controlling sinter RDI at present in TSK requires higher heat input during sintering, which, generally leads to higher sinter FeO. From the data analysis, the suggested band of operation for sinter FeO is 10.4 – 10.8%. In this band of sinter FeO, the RI value can be maintained at 73.5-75.5% with RDI ~ 28-32%. Considering the narrower band of sinter FeO that is preferable for blast furnace operation, there is a scope to reduce carbon rate by 3- 4 kg/t GSn (tonne of Gross Sinter) from its present level of operation (62 kg/t GSn to 58 kg/t GSn average) at the sinter plant.