Hydrometallurgical process for producing lead and elemental sulfur from galena concentrates

The Bureau of Mines has developed an effective hydrometallurgical method to recover high-purity Pb metal and elemental S from galena concentrates. This low-temperature process eliminates S gases and Pb emissions, in contrast to the current high-temperature smelting technology. Spent electrolyte was recycled repeatedly, with impurity buildup controlled by controlling the leach parameters.