Abstract: This invention is related to a method and a process for producing metals by reducing and smelting metal oxides in two steps, the first of said steps comprising prereduction of a metal oxide charge. The prereduced metal oxide is transferred directly to the second step comprising final reduction of the prereduced metal oxide in an electrically heated smelting furnace with hydrocarbon containing reducing agent. A cooling agent is injected into the reaction gases evolved from the smelting furnace to cool said gases to a temperature at which they can be transferred directly to the prereduction furnace as a reducing agent without causing sticking of the charge in said furnace. The cooling agent is especially selected so as to increase the molar quantity of reducing gas by chemical or physical interaction with the reaction gas from the smelting furnace.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method and a process for producing metals by reducing and smelting metal oxides in two steps, the first of said steps comprising prereduction of a metal oxide charge. The prereduced metal oxide is transferred directly to the second step comprising final reduction of the prereduced metal oxide in an electrically heated smelting furnace with hydrocarbon containing reducing agent.A cooling agent is injected into the reaction gases evolved from the smelting furnace to cool said gases to a temperature at which they can be transferred directly to the prereduction furnace as reducing agent without causing sticking of the charge in said furnace. The cooling agent is especially selected so as to increase the molar quantity of reducing gas by chemical or physical interaction with the reaction gas from the smelting furnace.