Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the casting of metals comprising the steps of: indexing a mould (3) in series on a rotating carousel (2) to a pouring station (2.1), skimming station (2.2) and a mould transfer station (2.3); casting molten metal into the mould at the pouring station (2.1); skimming dross from the molten metal at the skimming station (2.2); transferring the mould (3) containing molten metal from the mould transfer station (2.3) to a cooling section (5) and replacing it at the mould transfer station (2.3) with an empty mould; transferring a cooled mould containing a solidified metal ingot (10) from the cooling section (5) to a demoulding station (7) remote from the rotating carousel (2); removing the solidified ingot (10) from the mould (3); removing the pin/hook members (11) from the ingot (10); returning the pin/hook members (11) to the empty mould (3); returning the empty mould (3) to the mould transfer station (2.3); and transferring the ingot (10) to the further processing.