We consider an area-minimizing integral current $T$ of codimension higher than $1$ in a smooth Riemannian manifold $\Sigma$. In a previous paper we have subdivided the set of interior singular points with at least one flat tangent cone according to a real parameter, which we refer to as ``singularity degree''. This parameter determines the infinitesimal order of contact at the point in question between the ``singular part'' of $T$ and its ``best regular approximation''. In this paper we show that the set of points for which the singularity degree is strictly larger than $1$, is $(m-2)$-rectifiable. In a subsequent work we prove that the remaining flat singular points form an $(m-2)$-null set, thus concluding that the singular set of $T$ is $(m-2)$-rectifiable.

Accepted for publication in Comm. Math. Helvetici