Abstract: Apparatus (300, 400) for laying an elongate member such as a pipe (306) or a rail (472). Material carried by the apparatus is smelted in a furnace (340) and fed to a casting head (342) by which the elongate member is continuously cast. The so cast elongate member is then laid by the apparatus, as it travels on the ground surface.
Abstract: A smelting furnace having a vessel (102) for receiving material to be smelted. An inner surface (109) of the furnace is concave and reflective, at least an upper part thereof. A conductive electrode (120) of the furnace is continuously formed in the furnace by casting.