Abstract: A process for producing metallic lead and silver from materials such as ores and concentrates containing the corresponding sulfides and particularly a mixture of minerals such as galena and tetrahedrite in which process the minerals are initially roasted under neutral conditions which include a non-oxidizing or even slightly reducing atmosphere at an elevated temperature for a time equivalent to about 1.5 hours at about 550.degree.-600.degree.C. to produce a roasted mineral product in which the roasting causes certain unidentified changes but with the resulting roasted product being more easily leachable so that the process of removing the silver and lead can be greatly simplified.