Abstract: A process for the refining of high carbon ferrochromium metal in which the ferrochromium metal is refined, in the liquid state, with liquid metal oxide, generally including oxide fines. The heating is carried out in a transferred arc thermal plasma with substantial exclusion of carbon; although a consumable carbon electrode can be employed to generate the plasma. The ferrochromium metal is preferably premixed with the required oxides and fluxes and the feed is added to the furnace bath at a rate controlled to ensure that the slag and metal remain molten and at a chosen temperature.