FIELD: metallurgy. SUBSTANCE: method involves preparing basic mixture comprising lithium carbonate, aluminum powder and inert aluminum- containing admixture adapted for preventing basic mixture from melting and used in an amount of 5-20% by weight of lithium carbonate; processing basic mixture in combined dissociation-reduction-melting processes mode effectuated in three stages: at first stage basic mixture is vacuum heated at temperature of 600-750 C for 4- 8 hours at residual gas pressure of 10-50 Pa, at second stage temperature of resultant mixture is increased to 1,000-1,200 C under the same vacuum conditions and at residual pressure lower than 10 Pa, with following holding for 8-12 hours, at third stage resultant solid lithium condensate is molten in argon under pressure of 15- 20 kPa and at temperature of 300 C for 1-2 hours and discharged into furnace well. Apparatus has furnace, at least one retort horizontally mounted in furnace having heating zone and condensation zone and connected to vacuumizing system and to coolant circulation system. Discharge opening in lower part of condensation zone is adapted for communicating the latter with metal collecting vessel. Electric heater is located in condensation zone and at least one cylindrical basket for collecting briquetted mixture is concentrically positioned in heating zone. Cylindrical basket is provided with perforated cover. Perforated tube located inside cylindrical basket has diameter making 1/4 - 1/3 the diameter of retort. Perforated tube axis is positioned higher than retort axis. Tube perforations have size less than that of briquette mixture. Retort is connected to argon supply system. According to another embodiment, apparatus has furnace with at least one vertical retort mounted therein. Condensation zone is equipped at the outside with detachable electric heater. Perforated tube is located inside cylindrical basket comprising briquetted mixture. Diameter of perforated tube is 1/4 to 1/3 the diameter of retort. Coolant circulation system is of open spraying type. EFFECT: increased efficiency, reduced power consumption, improved operating characteristics, safe operation and provision for producing high-purity lithium in molten state. 3 cl, 2 dwg, 1 tbl
