Abstract: A refractory clad metallurgical lance comprises a temperature sensing thermocouple means in combination with an internal gas conduit encased within exterior refractory cladding material wherein the conduit provides a passage way for transmitting inert gas under pressure. The thermocouple means is disposed within the refractory cladding and directed radially outward toward the outer peripherary of the refractory cladding whereby the temperature sensing portion is located near the peripheral surface of the cladding. The thermocouple is disposed within a ceramic protective tube which in turn is embedded within the refractory material secured around the internal gas conduit. In use, the metallurgical lance is operative to process molten metal by submerging the lower portion of the lance below the molten metal surface and bubbling inert gas through the metal while simultaneously directly measuring the temperature of the molten metal.