<p>Coke oven gas (COG) and natural gas (NG), both high-calorific by-products derived from the steel industry, have gained prominence as alternative fuels in the sintering process, thereby supporting dual objectives of emission reduction and carbon neutrality. While existing research on hydrogen-rich gas injection has predominantly concentrated on conventional thin-bed sintering, investigations into its application within thick-bed sintering remain comparatively scarce. Thick-bed sintering, recognized for enhancing energy efficiency and increasing sinter output, encounters challenges such as uneven heat distribution and diminished permeability, which can negatively impact process efficiency and product quality. To address these issues, sinter pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects of NG and COG injection on thick-bed sintering performance. Findings reveal that NG injection in thick beds mirrors the behavior observed in conventional thin-bed sintering, effectively optimizing the process and achieving a carbon reduction potential exceeding 10%. In contrast, COG injection in thick-bed conditions demonstrates notable differences, substantially lowering the solid fuel consumption rate but detrimentally affecting sinter strength and overall production. However, by optimizing the timing of COG injection, it is feasible to improve sinter yield while concurrently reducing solid fuel usage. These outcomes provide valuable insights for the advancement of gas injection technologies in thick-bed sintering, thereby contributing to energy conservation and emission mitigation efforts within the sintering industry.</p>