Abstract: Process for melting scrap metal in a furnace comprising the steps of feeding a charge of solid scrap metal to the furnace, supplying fuel and an oxygen-rich oxidant to the furnace and combusting the fuel with the oxidant to generate heat inside the furnace, melting the charge of solid scrap metal in the furnace by means of the heat, withdrawing the molten metal from the furnace. Following the step of feeding the charge of solid scrap metal to the furnace, the fuel is combusted with the oxidant so as to generate one or more visible flames in the furnace above the charge and before the step of withdrawing the molten metal from the furnace, the fuel is combusted with the oxidant so as to generate flameless combustion in the furnace above the molten metal.