The extraction of lead from its oxidized ores by leaching

Acid-brine leaching of roasted lead ores had shown such good results that it seemed to be only a matter of forming lead chloride or lead sulfate to make the lead soluble in a saturated salt solution. This being the ease it looked reasonable to suppose that the lead chloride and sulphate could be produced by acid treatment as well as by roasting. The carbonate of lead especially, is easily converted to the sulfate or chloride by treatment with sulphuric or hydrochloric acid. It was the class of ores which seemed to be particularly adapted for this treatment.