Abstract: An apparatus for processing complex metallic materials, such as, copper-zinc or copper-lead-zinc concentrates and also slag-containing zinc and lead, by melting these materials in an atmosphere of gas containing free oxygen, and reducing the resulting melt by means of a gaseous plasma jet formed, for instance, by nitrogen. The apparatus includes one or several plasmatrons whose nozzles are immersed in the melt at an angle to its surface for agitation of said melt by the plasma jet and for reduction of the metal oxides.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of supplying a carbonaceous reducer in a layer onto the surface of molten slag and feeding an oxygen-free gas into said slag in an amount and at a rate ensuring recirculation of said slag with its outflow onto the surface of said carbonaceous reducer layer and filtration therethrough. An electric furnace for carrying into effect said method, comprising a space defined by walls resting on a hearth and supporting a roof wherein are fixed electrodes, devices for charging slag and a carbonaceous reducer into the furnace, and there are provided tuyeres adapted for supplying an oxygen-free gas into the slag, said tuyeres being spaced apart at a distance substantially equal to that of 3 to 6 electrode diameters, and at a distance of 1 to 3 electrode diameters from the furnace walls the bottom nozzle edges of said tuyeres being in space relationship with the horizontal axis of either a matte or metal tapping notches with a distance therebetween of 0.3 to 2 electrode diameters.

Abstract: A method for processing complex metallic materials, such as, copper-zinc or copper-lead-zinc concentrates and also slag-containing zinc and lead, by melting these materials in an atmosphere of gas containing free oxygen, and reducing the resulting melt by means of a gaseous plasma jet formed, for instance, by nitrogen. An apparatus includes one or several plasmatrons whose nozzles are immersed in the melt at an angle to its surface for agitation of said melt by the plasma jet and for reduction of the metal oxides.

Abstract: A method for removing zinc from zinc-containing slags resides in that zinc is recovered from a bath of said slag by introducing a reducing agent, such as coke, thereinto, and by further blowing nitrogen into said bath in an amount of 0.5 to 3.5 Nm.sup.3 /min.m.sup.2 of the bath surface and at a molten slag temperature of 1220 to 1400.degree. C, preferably within the range of from 1220 to 1290.degree. C.The invention makes it possible to step up the rate of zinc recovery up to 2.3 kg/min.m.sup.2 of the bath surface, reduce power input by 30 to 40%, and thereby to cut down expenses involved in the process as a whole.