Abstract: A process for reducing the degree of oxidation of a metal obtained by a production or purification operation wherein the metal is converted to the vapor state and then condensed to the liquid form in a vessel the lower part of which forms a crucible or pot in which it solidifes and in which a fusible flux is added to the metal in the crucible with a view to reducing the degree of oxidation, whereby the flux is added after previously being melted and the molten flux caused to penetrate into the void formed by contraction between the ingot and the inner wall of the crucible or pot.