Abstract: Apparatus for production of metal sponge or pig iron from metal oxide containing material in piece form using a reduction gas. A reduction reactor shaft (1); reduction gas inlet lines into the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1); a reduction gas channel body (11) passes through the interior of the reduction reactor shaft (1) for distributing reduction gas; a reduction gas supply line for reduction gas and located below the reduction gas channel body (11) at at least one inner-wall end of the reduction gas channel body (11). The reduction gas channel body (11) has a carrier tube through which a cooling medium can flow. A first portion of the reduction gas is introduced into the bed by reduction gas inlet lines which end in the interior of the reduction reactor shaft. A second portion of the reduction gas is distributed into the bed by the reduction gas channel body.