PURPOSE: To produce metallic actinoid without generating α-radioactive process waste.

CONSTITUTION: Actinoid oxide as starting material is mixed with carbon powder and pelletized to form green pellets. These pellets are heated to a high temp. of ≥1,300'C in flows of a mixture of inert gas such as Ar with gaseous nitrogen and a mixture of inert gas with gaseous hydrogen to produce actinoid nitride. This nitride is electrolytically refined in a molten salt such as molten sodium chloride or lithium chloride. In these two reaction processes, α-radioactive process waste is not generated.