<p>Blast furnace bag dust (BFBD) and converter primary dust (CPD) are studied to investigate how potassium, sodium, zinc, and other elements in iron and steel dust hinder their resource utilization. To this end, an in-depth analysis is conducted on the occurrence forms of K, Na, and Zn in these two types of dust. A collaborative carbon-thermal removal scheme for K, Na, and Zn was proposed based on the characteristics of iron and carbon contents in these dusts. The effects of reduction atmosphere, reduction roasting temperature, holding time, and material form on the removal effect of potassium, sodium, and zinc from the blend ash consisting of BFBD and CPD were investigated through experiments. The results indicated that, under high temperature, a small amount of potassium and sodium in the blend ash entered the gehlenite and anthophyllite phases by replacing calcium ions, and this is the main reason why potassium and sodium cannot be removed completely. Further, the roasted product exhibited a ZnO content of 0.032% and a combined K₂O + Na₂O content of 1.323% under the conditions of a blend ratio between BFBD and CPD, C/O molar ratio of 1.13, roasting temperature of 1250&#xa0;°C, holding time of 20&#xa0;min, powdered material form, and continuous nitrogen purge throughout the process.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>