Abstract: Value metal belonging to Group IA or IIA of the Periodic Table is recovered from its ore or concentrate by mixing the latter, in finely divided form, with an excess of molten lixiviant reaction metal. This forms a mixture of an alloy of the value metal and the reaction metal and a dispersate of partly depleted source material. Value metal is vacuum refined from the alloy and recovered. The method may be conveniently carried out, continuously, in a closed vessel by the use of an apparatus according to the invention, having an upwardly extending treating passage for containing the reaction metal and extending upwardly to a vacuum space. Lifting gas is injected into the mixture to provide emission of the mixture in the form of a volley of droplets from which the value metal is vacuumed off. The remaining reaction metal and partly depleted source material are deposited in a catchment bath.