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An electric smelting furnace is a type of industrial furnace that uses electrical energy to heat and melt materials, typically ores and scrap metals, for the purpose of extracting or refining them. The primary principle involves the generation of heat through electrical resistance, electric arcs, or induction.

There are several common types of electric smelting furnaces. The electric arc furnace (EAF) utilizes high-power electric arcs that jump between graphite electrodes and the material being smelted. This arc generates intense heat, melting the charge. Induction furnaces use electromagnetic induction to heat conductive materials. A changing magnetic field is applied, inducing eddy currents within the material, which in turn generate heat. Resistance furnaces use electric current passed through resistive elements or the charge itself to produce heat.

Electric smelting furnaces are valued for their precise temperature control, energy efficiency in certain applications, and their ability to achieve very high temperatures required for processing challenging materials. They are widely used in the production of steel, ferroalloys, and non-ferrous metals like aluminum and copper. Environmental benefits can include reduced emissions compared to some traditional combustion-based furnaces, especially when using electricity from renewable sources. However, the energy consumption can be substantial, making electricity costs a significant factor in their operation.