Abstract: A furnace is disclosed for extracting metals of relatively high volatility from compounds containing oxides of metals. The furnace provides uniform heating for the oxides in solid block form together with temperature and pressure control so that the dross does not melt. The furnace includes a lower portion having an insulated lining, an upper bell shaped portion joined to the lower portion to form an enclosed sealed chamber, the upper portion forming a condensation surface for metals, means for extracting heat from the upper portion, and means for controlling pressure within the sealed chamber. The improvement comprises an electrical heating conductor within the lower portion spaced apart from the insulated lining, the heating conductor having spaces to hold the compounds in a solid compressed form and transfer substantially uniform heat to the compounds in the spaces.