Abstract: In some aspects, the invention relates to apparatuses for recovering a metal comprising providing a sealed container for holding a molten electrolyte, the container having an interior surface; a liner disposed along at least a portion of the interior container surface; a cathode disposed to be in electrical contact with the molten electrolyte when the molten electrolyte is disposed in the container; a solid oxygen ion-conducting membrane disposed to be in ion-conducting contact with the electrolyte when the molten electrolyte is disposed in the container; an anode in contact with the solid oxygen ion-conducting membrane, the solid oxygen ion-conducting membrane electrically separating the anode from the molten electrolyte; and a power source for generating an electric potential between the anode and the cathode.