FIELD: ferrous metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: prior to feeding to melting furnace, iron oxide feedstock material is subjected to partial reduction carried out in vertical flue, into which iron oxide material and off-gas are directed, off-gas being also subjected to partial afterburning. Simultaneously, gas cooling takes place. Gas flow rate through vertical flue is maintained equal to 3-15 m/s, and gas temperature at vertical flue inlet is maintained at level 1800 C, and at its outlet at 800-1000 C. Iron oxide feedstock material must have particle size 0.1 to 8 mm. In additional, slag-forming and/or reducing and/or coalescence-preventing additives are also introduced into vertical flue. In accordance with one of method alternatives, partially reduced material is separated from gas flow and portion of separated partially reduced material is fed into melting bath. Proposed apparatus for carrying out proposed method comprises melting furnace. Off-gas discharge conduit is arranged vertically and connected to iron oxide material charging means arranged in lower portion of conduit, while upper portion of conduit or in vicinity to it has separation means. Apparatus further comprises separation means and off-gas flow accelerating means arranged upstream of iron oxide material charging means. EFFECT: invention is useful for iron production. 18 cl, 2 dwg
