FIELD: ferrous metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: free-flowing ferrous oxide-containing material is directly reduced in several fluidized-bed zones with reformed natural gas fed in countercurrent to ferrous oxide-containing material. The latter is heated in the first zone to temperature between below 400 C, preferably below 350 C, and above 580 C, preferably above 650 C, while temperature range 400 to 580 C is passed for no more than 10 min, preferably 5 min. At heating temperature 400 to 580 C ferrous oxide-containing material is held during 10 min, preferably 5 min. In the second zone, at temperature below 400 C, preferably below 350 C, temperature range 400 to 580 C is passed for 10 min, preferably 5 min. Invention also provides installations allowing realization of various embodiments pf the method. EFFECT: reduced expenses due to more complete utilization of chemical potential of reductive gas. 37 cl, 10 dwg
