Abstract: Features and work principle of a newly designed lifting magnet with an auto-metering device are briefly discussed, which is primarily used for charging cupola in iron foundries. The lifting magnet may be considered as an inductor which, after being disconnected from the power supply then shunted with a resistor, maintains a gradually decayed current, so that the metal charge attracted be released slowly. In case of the magnet over attracting material, by repeating "dropping and attracting" operation, the metal charge attracted will be metered automatically to the predetermined value promptly with small error. This device consists of a lifting magnet, a sensor-control system and a weighing indicator. Its metering accuracy and working cycle meets the demands of cupola melting practice quite satisfactorily. It may be used in other ferrous foundries, too. Its technical-economical merits displayed in some years service in some Chinese iron foundries are hereby briefly described.