The taphole region of a furnace is critical for the successful operation of the furnace, as it provides the means by which to remove the products from the furnace in a manner that does not compromise the integrity of the furnace or the quality of the products. However, the tapholes are the most vulnerable area of the furnace, as they are subject to severe operating conditions. Water-cooled copper tap-hole blocks provide an effective means of extending the life of tap-hole refractories, as the lower temperature of the refractory material inhibits wear and other damage and promotes the formation of a protective frozen slag layer in slag tapholes. The integration of the copper and refractory elements in the design facilitates not only longer campaign lives, but also easier, quicker, and safer maintenance activities on the tapholes when required.