Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing tin in lead bullion has the steps of adding an Arrhenius base to a kettle containing lead bullion and tin, adding a byproduct of conventional detinning to the kettle, agitating contents of the kettle, and removing a layer of slag from the kettle. The disclosed method removes tin via chemical oxidation, adds lead via chemical reduction of an oxide from the byproduct of conventional detinning, and preserves most of the antimony content of the lead bullion.

Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing tin in lead bullion has the steps of adding an Arrhenius base to a kettle containing lead bullion and tin, adding a byproduct of conventional detinning to the kettle, agitating contents of the kettle, and removing a layer of slag from the kettle. The disclosed method removes tin via chemical oxidation, adds lead via chemical reduction of an oxide from the byproduct of conventional detinning, and preserves most of the antimony content of the lead bullion.

Abstract: A method for reducing tin in lead bullion has the steps of adding an Arrhenius base to a kettle containing lead bullion and tin, adding a byproduct of conventional detinning to the kettle, agitating contents of the kettle, and removing a layer of slag from the kettle. The disclosed method removes tin via chemical oxidation, adds lead via chemical reduction of an oxide from the byproduct of conventional detinning, and preserves most of the antimony content of the lead bullion.

Abstract: A unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process includes adding a Lewis acid component and an Arrhenius base compound to a molten lead bullion. The Lewis acid component and Arrhenius base compound are added in stoichiometric amounts that preferentially remove lighter amphoteric elements from the molten lead bullion, and promote reactions with amphoteric p-block elements in the lead bullion to form over the lead a slag of Lewis bases, thereby forming a slag layer incorporating the metal salts of the amphoteric p-block elements.

Abstract: The Razor Process™ is a unique pyrometallurgical lead refining process. Benefits from the Razor process™ include: lower energy costs; improved working environment; reduced recycling costs; increased refining productivity; reduced cycle time and labor requirements; and production of secondary recyclable products, therefore yielding unique and immediate benefits.

Abstract: To prepare nickel laterite ore for selective reduction of its nonferrous metal oxides, it is comminuted (preferably to 85% minus 200 mesh) and is mixed with comminuted (preferably 100% minus 65 mesh) high volatile, high ash waste coal and a non-gaseous sulfur material. Carbon content of the coal is 50% to 150% of the amount of carbon needed for stoichiometric complete reduction of nonferrous metal oxides in the ore and partial reduction of its iron oxide content. The sulfur content of the sulfur material is such that, together with the sulfur content of the coal, the weight of sulfur is 1% to 1.5% of the weight of the ore. The mixture, preferably pelletized with water, is heated out of contact with air to bring it to 550.degree. C. (requiring 20 to 25 minutes) and is then passed to an aquatic quench. Volatiles in the coal provide reducing gas, and the ash content facilitates wet grinding after quench and provides a good filter bed for subsequent leaching to recover nonferrous metal values.