Abstract: A process for producing a reducing gas for a direct reduction or blast furnace which comprises partially oxidizing oil and/or coal and/or coke in the presence of air to produce a gas stream containing hydrogen and nitrogen together with other gases, treating the gas stream to remove substantially all gases other than hydrogen and nitrogen, drying the gas stream if there is water present, subjecting the gas stream to a separation stage, e.g. in a cryogenic separator, to separate a hydrogen-rich gas stream and a nitrogen-rich gas stream, heating the hydrogen-rich gas stream and injecting it into the furnace.In the case of a direct reduction furnace the gas stream may be obtained by partial oxidation of coal and/or oil. In the case of the blast furnace the reducing gas may be derived from the top gas in addition or as an alternative to partial oxidation of coal and/or oil.