Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of making a clad metal, neutron absorbing element, and the neutron absorbing element produced by preparing compactable metal products comprising (weight %) HF at least 25%, Zr and/or Zr alloys=0 to 75%; Ti and/or Ti alloys=0 to 75%; Hf-ZR alloys containing <55% Zr=0 to 75%; Hf-Ti alloys containing <55% Ti=0 to 75%; neutron absorbing metal elements melting at over 400.degree. C.: <0.2% and other metal elements melting at over 400.degree. C.: 0 to the balance, the balance being less than 5%; introducing at least some of these products into a metal container with an open end; compressing the products in the container, or compressing them before putting them into the container; if necessary repeating the introduction and compression of the products until the container is at least 95% full; and closing the open end of the container by welding on a metal lid or plug and providing an internal vacuum. The element is used, e.g.