Accompanying elements in sphalerite in pyrometallurgical process of zinc and lead production

The primary raw materials used in the imperial smelting process (ISP) are Zn and Pb concentrates. Dust generated in the course of ISP is recycled. The identified sphalerite grains indicate the presence of Pb, Fe, Cd sulfides, Fe and Zn oxides, as well as accompanying elements (Ca, Mn, Cu, As, Se, Ag, Sn, and Sb). The tests performed have demonstrated the differentiation in the content of the accompanying elements in sphalerite present in both charge mixture as well as in dusts. This differentiation may be an indication of the migration of these element from sphalerite to the products or to waste during the process.