Abstract: A batch process for desilverizing and refining lead bullion containing antimony and a low silver content, including the steps of melting the lead bullion, adding calcium to form a floating silver-rich dross containing a silver-antimony-calcium compound and separating the dross from the desilverized, molten lead bullion. The process further comprises a plurality of successive batch operations wherein silver-rich dross is separated and accumulated in each batch operation for subsequent processing. The successive batch operations are maintained at about 400.degree. C. in order to effect significant savings in energy, time and labor over processes previously used.

Abstract: A lead oxide for use in making an active material for pasted lead-acid battery plates comprises a doped lead oxide, the dopant preferably being copper in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.07 percent based upon the total weight of the lead oxide. The use of such a doped oxide imparts to the resulting battery improvement in various of the electrical performance characteristics such as, for example, internal resistance, capacity, cycle life and the like.