Abstract: A method for the production of metal powders or metal hydride powders of the elements Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, and Cr is disclosed, whereby an oxide of the said elements is mixed with a reducing agent and said mixture, optionally with a hydrogen atmosphere (for the production fo metal hydrides), is heated until the reduction reaction commences, the reaction product is quenched, then washed and dried. The oxide used has an average particle size of 0.5 to 20 ?m, a BET specific surface of 0.5 to 20 m2/g and a minimum content of 94 wt %.

Abstract: Methods for producing cesium hydroxide solutions during which: cesium-containing ore is disintegrated with sulfuric acid while forming a cesium aluminum sulfate hydrate, which is poorly soluble at low temperatures; the formed cesium alum is separated away in the form of a solution from the solid ore residues; the aluminum is precipitated out of the cesium alum solution while forming a cesium sulfate solution; the formed cesium sulfate solution is reacted with barium hydroxide or stontium hydroxide while forming a cesium hydroxide solution, and; the formed cesium hydroxide solution is concentrated and purified.

Abstract: A method for the production of metal powders or metal hydride powders of the elements Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta and Cr is disclosed, whereby an oxide of the said elements is mixed with a reducing agent and said mixture, optionally with a hydrogen atmosphere (for the production of metal hydrides), is heated until the reduction reaction commences, the reaction product is quenched, then washed and dried. The oxide used has an average particle size of 0.5 to 20 ?m, a BET specific surface of 0.5 to 20 m2/g and a minimum content of 94 wt. %.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidizing SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3 and containing V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and alkali sulfate in a molar ratio below 1 is produced by impregnating prefabricated support bodies with a solution of the active substances in sulfuric acid and the impregnated support bodies are dried and moved at the same time.