Samarium is obtained from rare earth minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite, then refined for further separation.
Through solvent extraction and ion exchange, samarium is isolated and converted into samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃).
Samarium oxide is reduced using the lanthanum thermal reduction method:
Sm₂O₃ + La → 2Sm + La₂O₃
This step produces high-purity samarium sponge.
The sponge is melted in vacuum or arc furnaces to remove impurities and improve density, then cast into ingots or rods.
Samarium metal is shaped into foils, sheets, rods, discs, or custom parts, inspected for quality, and vacuum-packed for safe delivery.