In the comics, a scientist named Myron MacLain obtained a small amount of vibranium and tried to create an alloy to make an indestructible armor.
The forging of Captain America’s shield is slightly different in the comics.
Interestingly, in the comic universe, adamantium was also invented by Myron MacLain when he tried to replicate the process unsuccessfully, so the metals are clearly related.
Instead, after failing to meld vibranium with iron, and by accident, he created a small amount of an alloy that he then used to create the shield.