Process for feeding iron sponge into an electric arc furnace

A method of preheating carbon containing iron sponge, said method characterized by the non-combustion of said iron sponge, the method comprising steps of:

• providing carbon bearing iron sponge which contains at least 0.5% carbon;
• moving the iron sponge into a melting crucible;
• providing a stream of oxidizing hot gas, the hot gas having a temperature of at least 1200.degree. C. and having a flow rate of at least 1 m/s as measured at 20.degree. C. and 760 Torr;
• flowing the hot gas through the iron sponge in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the iron sponge and in direct contact with essentially all of the iron sponge;
• effecting said direct contact between the hot gas and the iron sponge under conditions such that carbon present in the iron sponge is ignited and oxidized by the hot gas.