a method and apparatus for high temperature treatment of particulate metal ore concentrate solids with a cyclone having a tangentially positioned burner directing a jet flame into the cyclone , an ore injecting nozzle positioned to inject a stream of ore with oxygen containing gas into the jet flame of the burner at a location at least one - third of the travel of the flame and into the hottest region thereof so that the particles are melted and do not abrasively impact the walls of the cyclone in an unmelted stage .