Abstract: Nonmetallic inclusions and like contaminants are removed from a metal charge by melting the charge to form a molten pool on which the inclusion contaminants float and directing an electron beam onto a preselected first portion of the pool surface, said selective beam impingement causing the floating contaminants to segregate to other portion not subjected to beam impingement. Removal of molten metal from the impinged surface portion while the inclusion contaminants are confined elsewhere on the pool surface provides a clean molten metal product. Apparatus for use with the process is also disclosed. The invention finds special application in the master melting or remelting of metals and alloys for conversion to ingot shapes or high purity molten metal for powder making, investment casting, forging and the like.