The melting technologies currently used in aluminium mould-casting foundries are examined against the background of rising energy and raw materials prices. The furnace concept provides the basis for high cost-efficiency. Achievable metal yield, energy efficiency and metal quality are discussed, in addition to assessment of the process principle of a shaft-type melter, and potentials for the optimization of melting process efficiency, including operational furnace management, are outlined. A special focus is on the remelting of swarf from the internal production process. The numerical material is based on extensive performance measurements made on a range of furnace installations.