In this master thesis an existing laboratory kiln for the induration of iron ore pellets was modified and automated. The modifications included changing the heating system from a combined gas burner and electric heater system to sole electric heating. The possibility of using the gas burner was preserved but not included in the automation. The other main features of the kiln like the gas transport by suction and the mechanical build were kept as before. The automation was planned and set up with suitable equipment. A programmable logic controller (PLC) and a touchscreen as the human machine interface (HMI) in combination with custom built programs and user interfaces are used to control the kiln. The machine provides a stable platform for controlled experiments and concentrated data acquisition. The functionality and sensitivity of the machine were successfully tested together with a supplementary gas measurement system during experiments concerning the mineral selective calcination of carbonatic iron ore.