Method for producing metal

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A method for producing a metal by an electrolytic process using an yttria-containing porous ceramic body as a diaphragm is provided; the calcium formed by electrolysis cannot pass through the diaphragm, hence the back reaction can be effectively inhibited. Preferably, to be used is a diaphragm comprising a porous ceramic body having a purity of yttrium of 90 mass % or more (more preferably, 99% or more), a porosity of 1% or more and a pore diameter of 20 tam or less, and having a thickness of 0.05-50 mm and a metal halide is used as the electrolytic bath. The method can be utilized for producing metals such as calcium or rare earth elements, in particular. For example, when the method is applied to the production of calcium, metallic calcium can be produced with ease and at low cost without the need for enormous heat energy.