A method for producing titanium particles (34) suitable for powder metallurgy applications by atomizing a free-falling stream of molten titanium. Prior to atomization the molten titanium (27) is maintained in a crucible (12) lined with a solidified layer of titanium (28) which separates the molten mass of titanium (27) from the crucible interior to protect it against contamination. The bottom of the crucible (12) has a nozzle (18) through which the titanium passes to form the free-falling stream. The nozzle (18) may be likewise lined with a layer of solidified titanium which maintains the molten titanium passing through the nozzle out of contact with the nozzle material further protecting the titanium from contamination. The free-falling stream of titanium is contacted by an inert gas jet (21) to atomize the stream into spherical particles (32), which are solidified and collected.