A process and apparatus are provided that allow metals including metals having stable oxide phases and metals with variable valencies to be extracted from their respective ores via an electrolytic process that is environmentally sound and economically viable. The process for lowering the oxidation state of a metal in a metal oxide comprises providing an electrolysis chamber housing a flux containing a highly reactive metal (e.g. Mg) and having a cathode, an anode, and a solid oxide membrane. A reducing chamber housing the metal oxide having a higher oxidation state to be reduced is provided. A solid oxide membrane (SOM) process is used to generate vapor of the highly reactive metal in the electrolysis chamber. The vapor of the highly reactive metal is directed to the reducing chamber, where the vapor of the highly reactive metal reacts with the metal oxide to be reduced to provide a metal or metal oxide having a lowest oxidation state and an oxide of the highly reactive metal (e.g. MgO). In certain embodiments, the oxide of the highly reactive metal is recycled back to the flux in the electrolysis chamber.