Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding iron-bearing particles into a metallurgical furnace such as an electric arc furnace, comprising a vessel for containing a bath of molten iron, having a wall extending above the bath of molten iron, a preferably screw type feeder mounted on the exterior of the vessel, a feeding port in the vessel wall shaped to permit passage of the feeder into the interior of the bath of vessel and located at such a height from the molten iron so that no molten materials will spill out from the furnace through the port during the normal operation and maneuvering of the furnace; and actuating means for extending the screw type feeder from a retracted position out of the vessel to an extended position into the vessel.