Lead concentrate is produced from low-grade lead ore mined from natural deposits. The process of converting low-grade lead into high-quality lead concentrate is called flotation.
Zinc and Its Role in Lead Extraction
Zinc is an important metal found in nature. Many extracted ores contain about 10% iron and 40–50% zinc. This metal has been used since 1400 BC, but the extraction and refining of zinc were first carried out in India and China around 1000 BC.
In the 18th century, this process was introduced to England from China, and in 1739, a patent was registered for its distillation. Over time, the use of zinc became more widespread. In 1743, a zinc smelter with an annual production capacity of 20 tons was established in Bristol, one of England’s major cities.
In recent decades, Iran has also taken advantage of its mining potential to extract lead and zinc efficiently.