A method of reducing metal oxides in a plasma arc torch comprising a cathode and an anode. The method comprises collecting a set of metallic oxide ore and filtering the set of ore based on a particle size. The method further comprises preprocessing the filtered ore with the application of a heat gradient or an electric current. The preprocessed ore is mixed with a composition of reduction gases. The mixture is injected into the plasma arc torch to form a post-plasma mixture. The method further comprises collecting the post-plasma mixture and analyzing the post-plasma mixture. The method also comprises separating the post-plasma mixture into a set of slag and a set of liquid.