Electrochemical reduction of metal oxides

An electrolytic cell ( 1 ) for reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in a continuous or semi-continuous manner, the cell includes a cathode ( 25 ) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause the metal oxide on the upper surface to move toward a forward end of the plate while immersed in a molten electrolyte ( 21 ). The cell includes multiple anodes ( 23 ) and support structures ( 63,65 ) that separately support the cathode and the anodes from above the cell. In a preferred embodiment the anode support structure enables adjustment of the spacing of the anodes above the upper surface of the cathode.