Variation of the content of accompanying elements in galena in pyrometallurgical process of zinc and lead production

Concentrates of zinc and lead are primary raw materials in the pyrometallurgical process (Imperial Smelting Process) of lead and zinc production. During the studies it was found that Zn (sphalerite) and Pb (galena) sulphides were the main minerals in the raw material. The examined samples, taken from particular technological sections showed presence of galena. After detailed chemical studies it was found that this mineral showed high variation of concentration of accompanying elements, such as: Ca, Mn, Cu, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb. The results of these studies may make, in addition to providing a better understanding of accompanying elements circulation in the ISP technological process, a valuable contribution to the identification of the forms of occurrence of the accompanying elements in the various technological wastes. The form of elements occurrence in wastes is the basic factor in the development of optimal metals recovery method.