Behavior of Lead as a Concomitant Element under Conditions of Smelting Copper Raw Material.

In a study of the copper and lead distribution in the gas-slag-matte system as a function of the sulfur and oxygen partial pressures the limiting conditions of existence of the system at 1250 degree C are determined. A mechanism of the reaction between a gaseous phase with high sulfur and low oxygen potentials and the slag and matte is proposed. By regulating the gaseous phase composition, it is possible to obtain smelting products of various compositions and with the required distribution of precious metals. Studies carried out show that the smelting process should be supplemented by a slag stripping operation.