Process for direct smelting of lead concentrates

Summary

A new look at a single step process of direct reduction of lead concentrates to lead metal with the simultaneous production of sulfur dioxide seems promising, and the process seems readily adaptable to large tonnages.

Work remains to be done on finding the best way to dispose of the slag-forming constituents in the concentrates. More particularly, the problem of maintaining an intact lining in the tuyere area remains to be solved.