Austenitic nickel iron melts were made in 50 and 150 kg acid induction furnaces, from charges comprising grade LK3 and PVK3 pig irons, steel offcuts, cathode nickel and ferro-alloys. the additives investigated were ferrocerium, alloy FTsM-5, calcium silicide, master alloy ZhKMK and Ni-Mg master alloy; for comparison, a portion of each melt was treated with pure magnesium. The mechanical properties of the austenitic iron after treatment with different additives are recorded.