The results of the study of the influence of the main technological parameters of steel smelting (composition of charge materials, duration of smelting and furnace downtime, oxidation refining intensity and metal temperature at the outlet) on the lining resistance of a small arch of a steel-smelting arc furnace in the Ural Steel JSC are presented. Recommendations have been developed for optimizing the technological and energetic regimes of steel smelting, which make it possible to prolong the service life of the lining of a small vault and reduce the cost of steel production. Ill. 5. Ref. 20. Tab. 1.