PRODUCTION OF LEAD FROM ORES AND CONCENTRATES

摘要

The invention provides a process for selectively recovering lead from a lead bearing ore or concentrate in an electrolytic cell including at least one anode and one cathode, said process including (1) contacting the ore or concentrate with an electrolyte containing chloride ions, and (2) maintaining the electrolyte at a temperature ranging up to the boiling point of the electrolyte and at a pH of up to 7 while applying a low anode current density. In this respect the sulphur present in the ore or concentrate is substantially converted to elemental form and lead is taken into solution.