Abstract: This invention relates to a single-step pyrometallurgical process for the recovery of non-ferrous metals from zinc bearing residues, in particular from by-products of the zinc and lead industry such as goethite and jarosite. A process for the recovery of metals from industrial Zn residues containing Zn, Fe and S is defined, wherein Zn is fumed, Fe is slagged, and S is oxidized to SO2, characterized in that the Zn fuming, the Fe slagging, and the S oxidation are performed in a single step process, by smelting the residues in a furnace comprising at least one submerged plasma torch generating an oxidizing gas mixture, and by feeding a solid reducing agent to the melt. The process achieves the oxidation of S and the slagging of Fe, while simultaneously achieving the reduction and the fuming of metals such as Zn.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single-step pyrometallurgical process for the recovery of non-ferrous metals from zinc bearing residues, in particular from by-products of the zinc and lead industry such as goethite and jarosite. A process for the recovery of metals from industrial Zn residues containing Zn, Fe and S is defined, wherein Zn is fumed, Fe is slagged, and S is oxidized to SO2, characterized in that the Zn fuming, the Fe slagging, and the S oxidation are performed in a single step process, by smelting the residues in a furnace comprising at least one submerged plasma torch generating an oxidizing gas mixture, and by feeding a solid reducing agent to the melt. The process achieves the oxidation of S and the slagging of Fe, while simultaneously achieving the reduction and the fuming of metals such as Zn.