| Abstract Scope |
Obtaining metals such as lead from sulphides through classical reduction processes produces large amounts of SO2 which, if not properly treated, contaminate the environment. The carbothermal reduction process is an alternative method for obtaining metals such as lead, mainly using a desulfurizing agent such as CaO to reduce PbS and Ag2S to Pb, Ag and also capturing sulfur in the form of CaS, thus avoiding sulfur is released into the environment in the form of SO2. The carbothermal reduction process is thermodynamically favorable as long as the necessary conditions are met, such as the presence of C, CaO in an inert medium such as a constant flow of gaseous N2. This project shows the results of treatment of complex Lead sulfides with Ag, As, Sb, Bi, and tin, obtaining Pb-Ag conversions that reach around 90% reduction. |