Lead, Zinc and Other Byproduct Metals

Abstract

Just as metals are rarely found in pure form, the same is true of minerals. Moreover, certain combinations are apparently preferred by nature. That is to say, certain minerals tend to be found together or in each other’s ores. This is especially true of the sulfide ores of heavy metals. Lead and zinc (and a number of other metals, discussed in this chapter) are almost invariably found in copper ores (in trace amounts, to be sure) and conversely. Most lead mines also produce zinc, and conversely. Molybdenum, nickel and cobalt are also commonly found with copper, though copper is generally a byproduct of these metals and not the primary product.