Metallurgical furnace for producing metal alloys

The present invention relates to metallurgical processes and equipment and, more particularly, to a metallurgical furnace that is capable of operating with a wide range of raw materials and fuels, including those containing high levels of impurities. To that end, the metallurgical furnace of the present invention comprises (i) at least one upper vessel (1), (ii) at least one lower vessel (2), (iii) at least one fuel feeder (5) positioned substantially between the at least one upper vessel (1) and the at least one lower vessel (2), (iv) at least one row of tuyeres (3, 4) positioned in at least one of the at least one upper vessel (1) and the at least one lower vessel (2), said at least one row of tuyeres (3, 4) placing the interior of the furnace in fluid communication with the external environment, and (v) at least one hood called a curtain wall located in the upper vessel, which extends longitudinally down the furnace, and (vi) at least one permeabilizing fuel loading system in the centre of the upper vessel