Smelting Production Research Articles

Thermodynamic and Technological Studies of the Electric Smelting of Satpaevsk Ilmenite Concentrates

This work presents the results of thermodynamic and technological studies of the reducing electric smelting of low-quality and difficult-to-recover Satpaevsk ilmenite concentrates in the presence of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a flux. In the course of thermodynamic studies, according to literature data and using the HSC Chemistry 8 program, the state diagrams of the FeO-TiO2, FeO-Fe2O3-TiO2, Na2O-TiO2, Na2O-SiO2, Ti-C-O and Fe-C-O systems and the possibility of reactions in the temperature range of 500–1600 °C (without smelting of titanium, 1678 °C), taking into account phase transitions, were studied. The article also presents the results of technological studies of the above process. In general, the research results showed the possibility of using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as a flux in the charge of the electric smelting of low-quality Satpaevsk ilmenite concentrates. It has been established that the addition of 4.5–5% of Na2CO3 allows for reducing the temperature and the duration of electric smelting, the viscosity of the melt, and the complete separation of the smelting products (cast iron from slag).

Changes of the trace metals in ice core during 1915‒2016 in coastal eastern Antarctica

Antarctic trace metal records provide important information for grasping the influence of human activities on the environment over the last centuries. The CA2016-75 ice core is located along the East Antarctic Zhongshan Station–Dome A, enhances the record of metals research in the East Antarctic region, and its high-resolution supplies data support for the study of high-frequency climatic drivers and the effect of human activities on the Antarctic environment. A thorough dataset on seven trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ba and Pb) in a coastal ice core in eastern Antarctica during the previous 102 years (1915–2016) is presented in this study. Pb has the lowest concentration (9.51 ± 20.95 pg g−1), and Ba has the highest concentration (36.57 ± 51.35 ng g−1). Notable variations are observed between the pre-1968 AD and post-1968 AD phases for Mn, Zn and Ba. The abrupt, remarkable increase in the concentrations coincided with the change of metal smelting production in the southern hemisphere. In addition to this, it may also be related to local Antarctic scientific research activities. Al and Fe, the primary crustal elements, are essentially obtained from soil dust; Cu shows high crustal enrichment factors (EFc, >10), indicating that it is notably affected by anthropogenic activities. Moreover, the anthropogenic activities in the Southern Hemisphere have had an impact on lead deposition in Antarctica. This study not only enriches the trace metal historical record along the Zhongshan Station–Dome A but also provides a high-resolution ice core record, which is very crucial for the reconstruction of trace metal concentration changes in the last 100 years.

Identification of tin species released in solution during the water leaching of solids from the alkaline smelting (NaOH-KOH) of stanniferous ores

Tin species were studied Makundju ores in DRCongo. Identification of tin species released in aqueous solution during leaching of solids from the alkaline smelting (NaOH-KOH) was done to prepare added-value mining products on tin ores mined in the eastern DR Congo. Prior to alkaline fusion to have the smelting products (SP), the initial sample (IS) was processed for tests and characterization of tin species. Alkaline fusion in molten KOH-NaOH system was used and leached solution was considered for further analyses. Various physicochemical techniques including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and FTIR spectroscopy were used to characterize the initial ore and the molten cake. Water leached cake solution at a solid/liquid ratio of 1:10 was used to identify and characterize tin species. ICP-OES analysis of the pH 11.9 solution revealed a content of 4506.3 ppm, which is equivalent to a 95.87% leaching yield. Such yield attests to the stable Sn(OH)<sup>2-</sup><sub>6(aq)</sub> ion as confirmed by UV-Vis. Crystallizations of M<sub>2</sub>Sn(OH)<sub>6(s)</sub> (M = Na and/or K) was studied using XRD, FTIR and TGA. As pH decreases below 9, Sn(OH)<sup>2-</sup><sub>6(aq)</sub> ion changes to other tin species such as Sn(OH)<sup>-</sup><sub>5(aq)</sub>, Sn(OH)<sub>4(S)</sub>, Sn(OH)<sup>+</sup><sub>3(aq)</sub>, Sn(OH)<sup>2+</sup><sub>2(aq)</sub>, Sn(OH)<sup>3+</sup><sub>(aq)</sub> and Sn(OH)<sup>4+</sup><sub>(aq)</sub>. The stability of each the tin species was determined at different pH values in aqueous solution. Hence, alkaline hexahydroxostannate nanoparticles, used in many electronic applications, can be produced from tin ores.

Development of stabilization measures aimed at removing zinc with smelting products and accumulating titanium in the hearth of a blast furnace

AbstractThis paper presents the results of the development of stabilization measures aimed at the removal of zinc with the products of melting and accumulation of titanium in the hearth of a blast furnace. The relevance of the development and use in practice of such measures is due to the unstable fuel and raw materials conditions for the production of cast iron, when their stabilization is a complex and difficult task, as well as the need to extend the campaign of blast furnaces during the overhaul period. The negative effect of zinc oxides on the condition of the blast furnace shaft lining, accompanied by slab formation, and the overconsumption of specific coke consumption, which occurs when zinc circulates in the volume of the blast furnace, require measures to remove zinc from the smelting products. The article proposes such measures, which consist of flushing according to the proposed schedule during the operation of the blast furnace at planned blowing parameters and with the provision of the necessary thermal reserve. In order to lengthen the campaign of a blast furnace, one of the most common methods for protecting the hearth lining is the periodic introduction of titanium‐containing materials into the charge of blast furnaces. The entry of titanium oxides into the furnace, as a rule, is ensured by the use of concentrate or specially prepared ilmenite briquettes with a high titanium content as part of the sinter charge, which can be introduced directly into the composition of the blast furnace charge. The article analyzes the experience of using titanium‐containing materials as part of a blast furnace charge and formulates measures to intensify skull formation in the hearth.

Multiphase Equilibrium Relationships between Copper Matte and CaO-Al2O3-Bearing Iron Silicate Slags in Combined Smelting of WEEE and Copper Concentrates

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) contains various valuable metals, making it a potential secondary resource for sustainable metal usage. Pyrometallurgical smelting is an efficient technique to recycle WEEE by extracting precious metals into copper matte and removing impurities into slags. The impact of WEEE impurities such as CaO and Al2O3 on the phase compositions of the smelting products attracts great attention for industrial metal recovery. This study clarified the impact of CaO and Al2O3 on the equilibrium phase compositions of copper matte and SiO2-saturated FeOx-SiO2-Al2O3-CaO slags. The high-temperature smelting experiments were taken at a controlled p(SO2) of 0.1 atm and 1300 °C, followed by quenching and electron probe microanalysis. The results showed that the copper and sulfur in the smelting system were highly deported into copper matte, and their distribution in matte was enhanced by increasing CaO and Al2O3 concentrations introduced by WEEE. The chemical copper dissolution in slags increased with increasing matte grade but decreased by adding CaO and Al2O3. The iron was preferentially concentrated in slags, and higher matte grades improved the iron distribution in slags. The current experimental results enrich fundamental thermodynamic data and help optimize WEEE smelting operations for efficient recovery of valuable metals.

Особый тип каменных топоров эпохи бронзы с реки Коротаиха (бассейн Баренцева моря)

Finds of thrust tools made of rocks and minerals are rare to find in the sites of the European North-East. This can be probably explained through a high mobility of the local hunters-gatherers and through the way such artefacts were left behind. Considering that there is an outstanding set of six axes and three workpieces found at Korotaikha 1979/3 site at the Korotaikha river (the Barentsev Sea basin). There they found not as a treasure; traces of their production were missing. The research aims to verify the assumption that the artefacts constitute a special type thrust tool series. To do so the study analysed the consequence of formation and layout of diverse macrotraces on the thrust tools surface. The study provides their morphography and classic morphometry. It is determined that the Korotaikha 1979/3 axes are made with the same technology. To start with, the shape of the future tool was formed with bifacial knapping. The final staged implied abrasive treatment (polishing) to form a straight sharp blade, level off and dull down sharp bifacial ribs along the longitudinal edges of the work pieces. The process preserved a large part of the surface formed by knapping. Thus, the Korotaikha 1979/3 axes are partly polished tools with a rectangular or nearly triangular form and lens-shaped cross- and longitudinal section. Macrotraces left by knocking upon solid materials, blade corrections and tool wear-out are evident of the axes use and repair. The nature of the work piece bilateral treatment conforms is harmonized with the bifacial knapping that the Korotaikha 1979/3 flint arrowheads and scrapers are made with. Along with homogeneous ceramics and evidence of bronze smelting production these items conform that these materials shall be attributed to records for studying the Korshak culture assigned to the Bronze Age and preliminarily dated back to the 2nd millennium B.C. Based on this data the study defined equivalent tools within sites located in a very short area at the Korotaikha river. However, the study failed to find equivalents outside this microregion. The production peculiarities, geography and attribution of these axes allow to define their special type of thrust tools of the Bronze Age European north-east. This type can be designated as the Korotaikha type axes. The location is found with an abnormal number of good-condition thrust tools left in one place. It may be associated with the functioning of a sanctuary or burial ground at this site.

Impacts of land use/cover and slope on the spatial distribution and ecological risk of trace metals in soils affected by smelting emissions.

The soil contamination around smelting sites shows high spatial heterogeneity. This study investigated the impacts of distance, land use/cover types, land slopes, wind direction, and soil properties on the distribution and ecological risk of trace metals in the soil around a copper smelter. The results demonstrated that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 248.0, 16.8, 502.4, 885.6, and 250.2 g mg kg-1, respectively, higher than their background values. The hotspots of trace metals were primarily distributed in the soil of smelting production areas, runoff pollution areas, and areas in the dominant wind direction. The concentrations of trace metals decreased with the distance to the smelting production area. An exponential decay regression revealed that, depending on the metal species, the influence distances of smelting emissions on trace metals in soil ranged from 450 to 1000 m. Land use/cover types and land slopes significantly affected trace element concentrations in the soil around the smelter. High concentrations of trace metals were observed in farmland, grassland, and flatland areas. The average concentrations of trace metals in the soil decreased in the order of flat land > gentle slope > steep slope. Soil pH values were significantly positively correlated with Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As, and SOM was significantly positively correlated with Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soil. Trace metals in the soil of the study area posed a significant ecological risk. The primary factors influencing the distribution of ecological risk, as determined by the Ctree analysis, were land slope, soil pH, and distance to the source. These results can support the rapid identification of high-risk sites and facilitate risk prevention and control around smelting sites.

Effect of Heat Treatment of Beverage Cans Remelting on Mechanical Properties

This study compared the mechanical properties of the repeated melting of beverage cans. From the effects of the first melting, a chemical composition test was held out, which turned out that the aluminum produced was not explicitly admitted in the aluminum alloy series 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx or 6xxx. The semelting process I have increased the element Fe, as well as the addition of elements of Pb and Sn. Part of smelting I and II were annealed and quenched at 400?C with a holding time of 2 hours. The highest tensile strength is held from the first smelting product that has received quenching heat treatment, 9.67 kg/mm2. After remelting, it decreased to 9.07 kg/mm2. Products that have received quenching heat treatment have the most significant impact value, both for the first and second melting products, namely 74.34 BHN and 101.86 BHN. The most significant impact value was obtained from the first smelting product that received annealing heat treatment, which was 0.0388 J/mm2, and after receiving quenching heat treatment, the impact value became 0.0379 J/mm2.

Estimation of hot metal desulfurization by intermediate and final blast-furnace slag when using pellets of different basicity in blast-furnace charge

n the process of blast-furnace smelting, up to 90% of coke sulfur is captured by the iron ore charge, accumulating in hot metal in the amount that was absorbed from the gas phase. Desulphurization of cast iron occurs when it interacts first with the intermediate, and at the final stage, with the final blast-furnace slag. In this regard, it is of interest to evaluate the desulfurizing properties of the intermediate and final slag, which affect the sulfur content in hot metal. Melting mixtures of pellets of different basicity and sinter in a blast furnace leads to the formation of primary and intermediate slags of different chemical composition. When smelting hot metal in blast furnaces, mainly unfluxed pel-lets and fluxed sinter are used. In the course of the study, mixtures of sinter and pellets of different basicity were pre-pared, which ensured the production of final blast-furnace slag with a basicity of CaO/SiO2 = 1.15 units. The mixtures were reduced and melted in graphite crucibles with the smelting products filtered through a coke nozzle. The coeffi-cients of sulfur distribution between intermediate slag and hot metal obtained from iron ore charge with different basicity of sinter and pellets were determined. The lowest sulfur distribution coefficient between the intermediate slag and hot metal is observed when the basicity of the pellets is in the range of 0.5‒1.2 units. To increase the desulfurization capacity of the intermediate slag, it is advisable to use unfluxed and fluxed pellets with a basicity of 0.25 units in the blast-furnace charge and an sinter with a basicity of 1.78‒1.87 units. Studies of the kinetics of the interaction of hot metal and final blast-furnace slag have shown that the final slag provides a high degree of desulfurization of hot metal during their interaction for 1 hour or more

Applicability of the reduction smelting recycling process to different types of spent lithium-ion batteries cathode materials

The high-temperature smelting process based on pyrometallurgy is influential in the field of recycling spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) on an industrial scale. However, there are a variety of cathode materials for spent LIBs. The applicability of the high-temperature smelting process to different kinds of cathode materials has not been reported. In this work, the applicability of the reduction smelting process to four different cathode materials is studied. The phase transition, distribution and existence of target elements and the characteristics of the smelting products when different cathode materials are used as raw materials are systematically discussed. The results show that the reduction smelting process can recover the four different cathode materials (LiCoO2, LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2) of spent LIBs. The reduction smelting process is also suitable for complex feedstocks containing the four cathode materials. The target elements Co, Cu, Ni, Fe and P are transferred to the alloy. The target elements Li and Mn volatilize into the gas phase. In addition, the future application of the reduction smelting process on an industrial scale is discussed and proposed. This study reveals the excellent applicability of the reduction smelting process to different LIB cathode materials and provides support for the development of a high-temperature smelting process based on pyrometallurgy.

Development of a mathematical model for a compound technological complex of vanyukov melting in order to control the material and thermal regime

This article presents a mathematical model in the form of static equations of dependencies of input and output flows based on the equations of material and heat balance for the purposes of operational planning and control of the complex technological complex of Vanyukov melting (PV). Dynamic characteristics are presented for the purpose of controlling the thermal regime based on the technology of the developed melting process with blowing from below. As a result of the study, the developed mathematical model for controlling the smelting process when calculating the material flows of the charge will allow tracking changes in the thermal state of the smelting (by the copper content in the matte). This model can quite well describe the dynamics of the state of the process, both when establishing the impacts aimed at increasing the heating of the furnace, and at reducing its heating. Based on the equations, a computer model based on the dynamic programming method in the MATLAB software package has been developed. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that for the first time, the structure of a mathematical model has been developed that describes the processes occurring in the over-tuyere zone and the sludge zone of the smelting products.

Toxic metals and the risks of sludge from the treatment of wastewater from beryllium smelting

The release of highly toxic beryllium in sludge (BCS) produced by physico-chemical treatment of beryllium-containing wastewater from Be smelting production has become a growing concern with the widespread use of Be in the defense industry. This work investigated the potential mobility of Be in BCS. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) of BCS showed that the amount of leached Be was up to 202 mg L−1, which exceeded the regulated limit by nearly 10,000 times. The chemical fractionation analysis further revealed that the excessive amount of Be leached from BCS was contributed to the high content of acid-soluble fraction and reducible fraction of Be, which accounted for over 70% of the Be content. The results obtained from mineralogical automatic analyzer (MLA) showed that gypsum (23.23%) and epidote (19.55%) were the two major mineralogical phases of BCS. Both were small and loosely structured agglomerated particles with a D50 of 6.61 μm and 3.31 μm. ToF-SIMS results revealed that the Be distribution on the surface of BCS particles was relatively dispersed, with no aggregation or encapsulation. Be co-precipitated with gypsum and chlorite in the form of unstable Be(OH)2, which attached to the surface of these small particles. The unstable state of Be and the small size, loose structure and high liberation of the host material phases are the main reasons for the high leaching mobility of Be. The results of the risk assessment indicated that BCS posed an extremely high potential ecological risk, with Be being the most significant contributor.

Direct smelting process of copper carbonate ore using SiO2 as fluxing agent in electric arc furnace

ABSTRACT The demand for copper, especially from the transportation sector, continues to increase. However, the supply of copper still depends on the primary process production, namely processing or extracting copper from its ore. In addition to copper sulfide ores, copper oxide and carbonate ores are alternative raw materials for copper production, especially in countries with abundant copper reserves, such as Indonesia. This study aims to analyse the effect of SiO2 flux addition in the direct smelting process of mixed oxide and carbonate-type copper ore. This study used an electric arc furnace to carry out the smelting process. The addition of SiO2 varied between 0 and 8 wt% with an interval of 2 wt%. As a result, a direct smelting product was successfully made with a Cu content of 87.01 wt% and Cu recovery of 92.6% when using 4 wt% SiO2. The slag’s main compounds were SiO2, Fe2SiO4, FeSiO3, and Fe3O4.

Effect of high temperature tempering on the phase composition and structure of steelmaking slag

Abstract Blast furnace slag and steelmaking slag, as the main accessory products of iron and steel smelting, are piled up in large quantities due to their huge output, high treatment difficulty and low comprehensive utilization rate, which has a serious impact on the land and environment. In order to improve the comprehensive utilization of steelmaking slag, low basicity blast furnace slag was added to the existing steel slag for quenching and tempering. The influence of basicity on the chemical composition and phase precipitation of mixed slag was analyzed. In the research process, the phase composition and morphology of blast furnace slag and steel slag of Baotou Steel were analyzed using FactSage7.1 thermodynamic calculation software, ZEISS high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM), modern fast high-resolution Bruker energy dispersive spectrometer and AMICS-Mining automatic mineral analysis software. The results show that the mineral phase composition of blast furnace slag is mainly calcium aluminum yellow feldspar and that of steelmaking slag is mainly dicalcium silicate(C2S), magnesium-iron phase solid solution, rose pyroxene and calcium iron aluminate. When the basicity of the mixed slag is 2.0, it can effectively inhibit the formation of non-cementitious mineral anorthite and promote the formation of better cementitious mineral C2S. At the same time, it is found that the melting temperature of mixed slag decreases with the increase in Al2O3 content.

Розробка стабілізаційних заходів, направлених на виведення цинку з продуктами плавки та акумулювання титану в горні доменної печі

The article presents the results of the development of stabilization measures aimed at the removal of zinc with the products of melting and accumulation of titanium in the hearth of a blast furnace. The relevance of the development and use in practice of such measures is due to the unstable fuel and raw materials conditions for the production of pig iron, when their stabilization is a complex and difficult task, as well as the need to extend the campaign of blast furnaces during the overhaul period. The negative effect of zinc oxides on the condition of the blast furnace shaft lining, accompanied by slab formation, and the overconsumption of specific coke consumption, which occurs when zinc circulates in the volume of the blast furnace, require measures to remove zinc from the smelting products. The article proposes such measures, which consist of flushing according to the proposed schedule during the operation of the blast furnace at planned blowing parameters and with the provision of the necessary thermal reserve. In order to lengthen the campaign of a blast furnace, one of the most common methods for protecting the hearth lining is the periodic introduction of titanium-containing materials into the charge of blast furnaces. The entry of titanium oxides into the furnace, as a rule, is ensured by the use of concentrate or specially prepared ilmenite briquettes with a high titanium content as part of the sinter charge, which can be introduced directly into the composition of the blast furnace charge. The article analyzes the experience of using titanium-containing materials as part of a blast furnace charge and formulates measures to intensify skull formation in the hearth.

Analysis of the use of magnesium-containing additives in the charge of iron flux in order to reduce CO2 emissions

The growing requirements for the quality of finished steel products oblige to obtain steel with a low content of harmful impurities, especially sulfur. The main charge for steel production in the conditions of JSC EVRAZ NTMK is vanadium iron, the external desulfurization of which leads to large losses of valuable vanadium. Therefore, the smelting of iron with a low sulfur content is an urgent task. The main way to reduce sulfur in iron is to increase the basicity of the slag (B2), but MgO is the best desulfurizer. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of the use of various magnesium-containing materials in the conditions of the blast-furnace stage of JSC EVRAZ NTMK, taking into account CO2 emissions. The possibility of replacing limestone in the iron flux charge with dolomite, as well as with steel converter slag, is considered. Both materials will increase the proportion of MgO in blast-furnace slag, however, the use of dolomite is accompanied by a two-fold increase in CO2 emissions compared to limestone. Converter steel slag (CSS) does not contain carbonates, thus eliminating the formation of CO2 during the limestone decomposition. An additional advantage of CSS is its high content of valuable vanadium and manganese. The effect of an increase in MgO in slag on its melting point is considered. It has been established that an increase in the proportion of MgO to 14% will not cause difficulties in the processing of blast-furnace smelting products and will reduce the sulfur content in iron and the formation of titanium carbides and carbonitrides.

Influence of Pulse Current on Inclusion Properties of Alumina in Molten Steel

In the process of metal purification, the study of controlling the morphology and size distribution of non-metallic inclusions in steel based on electric fields has attracted extensive attention. However, the action mechanism of electric fields on inclusions in liquid steel has not been clearly identified. In this paper, the influence of pulse current on the quantity, size, and distribution of alumina inclusions in liquid steel was explored through a high-temperature energization experiment, and the action mechanism of pulse current was expounded based on the angle of interface free energy. The results show that the number of small alumina inclusions in the steel after electric pulse treatment (the pulse current density was 0.1–3 A/cm2, the frequency was 100 Hz, and the pulse waveform was a square wave) was significantly increased compared with the sample without electric pulse treatment, and the particle size was concentrated at 2–5 μm, and the inclusions were concentrated in the upper and lower parts of the sample. However, in the samples without electrification treatment, the large particles of inclusions are the majority, the particle size was concentrated at about 10 μm, and the inclusions were concentrated in the upper and middle parts of the samples. When the pulse current was applied to the molten steel, the interfacial free energy of the internal system of liquid steel alumina inclusion was reduced, the nucleation of alumina inclusion was promoted, the aggregation growth between alumina particles was inhibited, and then the migration and distribution of inclusions were also affected. The experimental results could provide technical support for high-quality steel smelting production to a certain extent.

Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Spent NdFeB-Magnets: Separation of Iron through Reductive Smelting of the Oxidized Material (Second Part)

This paper proposes a pyrometallurgical recycling method for end-of-life NdFeB magnets by oxidizing them in air and subsequently smelting them. The smelting process enabled the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs), producing a new reach concentrate separating the iron as a metallic phase. From the products of smelting, the metallic phase showed a maximum Fe content of 92.3 wt.%, while the slag phase showed a maximum total REE (Nd, Pr, and Dy) content of 47.47 wt.%, both at a smelting temperature of 1500 °C. ICE-OES and XRD analysis were conducted on both phases, and results showed that the metal phase consists mainly of Fe and Fe3C while the slag phase consists of the RE-oxides, leftover Fe2O3, and a mixture of Fe6Nd4. The obtained slag concentrate based on the oxides of rare earth elements is suitable for further pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical treatment in order to obtain rare earth elements.

Twentieth-century Bena iron production in the Njombe district of Tanzania

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on Bena iron production in southern Tanzania to determine the geochemistry of smelted iron ore, verify liquid slag tapping mechanisms, explore the efficiency of iron production and identify the nature of final smelting products. To this end, chemical and mineralogical analytical techniques were used. Analytical results indicate that the Bena smelted titanium-rich iron ores to produce iron. It appears that liquid smelting slag was tapped out of the furnace through mlepulo, a local name for a channel or tunnel dug a few centimetres below the tuyères at a horizontal level. The slag microstructures strongly indicate that smelting tap slag cooled rapidly. This study also shows that the reduction process of Bena iron production was efficient in many respects due to the absence of high iron oxides in the slag microstructures. Based on the smelting slags’ chemistry and mineralogy, this paper argues that the Bena produced iron instead of carbon-rich steel.

Extraction of Rhenium and Osmium from Lead Technogenic Raw Materials of Copper Production.

Lead sludge from copper production is a source of rare metals, such as rhenium and osmium, whose content reaches 0.06–0.08% and 0.0025–0.0050%, respectively. The base of the sludge consists of lead sulfate. A method of reductive smelting of lead sludge from copper smelting production at 1000–1100 °C has been developed. Coke was used as a reducing agent and sodium sulfate as a slag-forming material. Optimal conditions for selective extraction of rare metals in smelting products were found: osmium in the form of metallic form into raw lead and rhenium in the form of perrhenate compound Na5ReO6 into sodium-sulfate slag. The developed technology makes it possible to extract rhenium with a high degree of extraction in the form of water-soluble compounds for the subsequent production of commercial salts of rhenium by the known hydrometallurgical methods. The content of rhenium in the slag phase is 0.18–0.25%, with its initial content in the slime of 0.06–0.08%. The degree of rhenium concentration at the first stage of processing is 3–3.2 times in the form of water-soluble perrhenate. Osmium and lead do not form solid solutions; osmium in crude lead is mainly concentrated in the lower zones of lead. A method of obtaining a concentrate containing 53–67% osmium from raw lead with an initial content of 0.0025–0.0050% in the slurry and a concentration number of 13,000–21,000 times has been proposed.