Abstract: The method enables the desired tap temperature to be obtained during subsurface pneumatic refining of carbon steel or low alloy steel, without the need to reblow the heat, by adding to the melt, before starting the injection of refining oxygen, a fast oxidizing element such as aluminum, and a slow oxidizing element, such as silicon. The amount of fast oxidizing element added is such that the total amount thereof in the melt is sufficient, when oxidized, to raise the temperature of the melt to the desired temperature before substantial decarburization begins, and the amount of slow oxidizing element added is such that the total amount thereof is sufficient, when oxidized, to maintain the temperature of the melt within the desired temperature range during the decarburization period.