Provided is a green pellet (10) which comprises: an inner core layer (11) containing an iron oxide-containing starting material, a carbonaceous material for reduction, and a slag-forming agent; and a coating layer (12) disposed so as to encapsulate the surface of the inner core layer (11), wherein the coating layer (12) is formed from a protective layer (12a), which is disposed so as to encapsulate the surface of the inner core layer (11) and which contains an inorganic compound (includes an alkali metal oxide) having a melting point that is 750°C. or greater but less than 1100°C., and a combustion layer (12b ), which is disposed so as to encapsulate the surface of the protective layer (12a) and which contains the carbonaceous material.