Abstract: Halides of alkali and alkaline earth metals ("metals") are reduced with gallium, indium or thallium ("reducing metals") at temperatures below their boiling points at vapor pressures at which the gaseous monohalides of the reducing metals are formed. The quantity of the reducing metals is chosen such that it is sufficient both for the reduction of the metal halides and for the simultaneous solution of the metals formed, e.g.:MgCl.sub.2 (s)+2Ga(l)=Mg(l)+2GaCl(g); 900.degree. K., 0.02 torr.The metal is distilled off from the melt formed and is condensed the metal-free reducing metal is recycled for the reduction of the metal halide.The reducing metal is recovered from the monohalide for re-utilization in the halide reduction; this is effected by reduction of its oxide which is formed either by oxidation of the monohalide, or by oxidation of the trihalide resulting in the disproportionation of the monohalide in addition to elemental reducing metal.