Abstract: A process for the removal of lead content in anode slime by subjecting the latter to primary and secondary leach in a medium of an ammonium acetate solution at a temperature not exceeding 80.degree. C. Whereby lead dissolution is maximized and other metals are minimized. Separate the leach solution from the undissolved slime residue, crystallize lead from the separated leach solution and recover the crystallized lead acetate.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for recovering precious metals, such as gold, silver, selenium, and tellurium etc. from anode slime has been developed and tested successfully. The process comprises three major unit operations: leaching, liquid-liquid extraction, and reduction. The decopperized anode slime is first leached with nitric acid at an elevated temperature to obtain a leach solution containing at least about 95% by weight of the silver content, 96% by weight of the selenium content and 76% by weight of the tellurium content of the decopperized anode slime. Silver in the nitric acid leach solution is recovered in the form of silver chloride. Subsequent to the recovery of silver chloride, the selenium, tellurium, copper and other impurities-containing solution is denitrated and chlorinated by a liquid-liquid extraction technique.