Lead and Zinc Production

This chapter covers the basic principles involved in and the current industrial technologies for producing lead and zinc by pyrometallurgical processes. Special attention is given to the physical chemistry of gas-solid reactions and molten bath reactions relevant to the high-temperature production of these metals. Descriptions and flow sheets of the sinter plant-blast furnace and direct smelting-reduction routes (e.g., KIVCET, QSL, Isasmelt/Ausmelt) used in lead production and of the imperial smelting process for zinc production are presented. The industry trends in the production of lead and zinc are briefly discussed.