FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: apparatus has vessel-well of electric arc furnace with charging opening for metal melt and/or scrap, and/or direct-process metal (for example, iron), at least one electrode, slag discharge device, converter oxygen vessel with melt discharge device. Converter oxygen vessel is connected to vessel-well of electric arc furnace through discharge device to form single unit fixedly mounted on foundation. Bath specific surface in converter vessel is smaller than that in well. Converter oxygen vessel and well of electric arc furnace have common reaction zone positioned above bath surfaces thereof. Method involves producing in said well preliminary melt of predetermined temperature and chemical composition; directing melt into converter vessel; providing continuous refining, preferably before obtaining crude steel; directing slag produced in converter vessel countercurrent with metal flow into vessel-well, with following discharge therefrom. EFFECT: reduced power consumption, increased decarbonization efficiency, reduced consumption of reducer and slag forming admixtures. 42 cl, 10 dwg, 13 tbl
