Process for melting scrap iron, sponge iron and/or solid pig iron

For the purpose of melting scrap iron, pelletized sponge iron in reduced condition, solid pig iron or the like, there is introduced into the melting heat from below a charge-accepting receptacle by means of burners the carbon content within the molten bath is adjusted by a sub-stoichiometric combustion of hydrocarbon. Addition of any coal to the charged material is avoided. By reducing the oxygen flow, in particular by performing the combustion with approximately 0.9-times of the stoichiometric amount of oxygen, and by optionally adding slag formers, the aggressivity of the slag in relation to the furance lining is simultaneously reduced.