Abstract: A readily oxidizable metal such as lithium formed along a cathode is collected in an electrolytic tank within a collecting chamber, the level of electrolyte is caused to rise to a predetermined top level at which the lithium leaves the collecting chamber and overflows into a transfer compartment, the level of electrolyte is lowered to a predetermined bottom level at which the poured-off lithium leaves the transfer compartment and passes to the discharge compartment, the level of electrolyte is raised to the top level in order to ensure overflow into a discharge tube. A stream of inert gas is passed into the discharge compartment and the lithium is transferred to a chamber for treatment in an inert atmosphere and conversion to ingots in the pure state.