Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for vertical, semi-continuous direct chill casting of light metal fabricating ingots of particularly, though not exclusively, lithium containing aluminium and magnesium alloys, through an open mould into a pit, comprising commencing the casting without a pool of water within the pit, supplying cooling water to the emergent ingot at a predetermined rate and continuously removing water from the pit as casting continues at a rate sufficient to ensure that no build up of a pool of water in the pit occurs, whereby the risk of violent and damaging explosion is further reduced.