Lead & Zinc Ore

Lead-Zinc ores, primarily composed of Galena (PbS) and Sphalerite (ZnS), are vital for producing batteries, galvanizing alloys, coatings, pigments, and specialized metals. Universal Minerals Trading Company exports high-quality concentrates from Pakistan and Afghanistan, ensuring accurate composition and competitive grades for industrial use.

Rising global demand for zinc in infrastructure and renewable energy, alongside lead’s role in battery technologies, highlights the importance of these metals. UMTC supports this growth by delivering consistent, high-grade lead-zinc supplies to manufacturers and refiners worldwide.

Supply Structure

  • Lead / Zinc Ore     –    Pb > 5% to < 15% Zn > 15% to < 45% Ag > 200 ppm to 1000 ppm

Composition and Characteristics

Lead and zinc mixed ores commonly consist of the following minerals:

  • Galena (PbS): The primary ore mineral for lead.
  • Sphalerite (ZnS): The primary ore mineral for zinc.
  • Other associated minerals: Such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sometimes silver.

The ore can vary significantly in composition, with lead and zinc contents influencing the economic feasibility of mining and processing. These ores may also contain trace amounts of other metals, including silver, copper, and cadmium, which can be recovered during processing.

Uses of Lead and Zinc Mixed Ores

  1. Lead Production:
    • Battery Manufacturing: Lead is primarily used in lead-acid batteries, which are widely employed in automotive and stationary power storage applications.
    • Ammunition and Radiation Shielding: Lead is used in the production of ammunition and as a radiation shield in medical and industrial settings due to its high density and ability to block radiation.
    • Solder and Plumbing: Lead is utilized in solders and various plumbing
      applications, although its use is declining due to health concerns and regulations.
  2. Zinc Production:
    • Galvanization: Zinc is predominantly used for galvanizing steel and iron to
      prevent rusting, which is essential in the construction, automotive, and
      infrastructure industries.
    • Die-Casting: Zinc alloys are used in die-casting processes for manufacturing
      precision components in the automotive and consumer goods sectors.
    • Alloys: Zinc is a key component in various alloys, such as brass, which is used in
      applications ranging from plumbing fittings to musical instruments.
    • Nutritional Supplements: Zinc is an essential trace element used in dietary
      supplements and health products to support immune function and overall health.

At Universal Minerals Trading Company, we offer high-quality lead and zinc mixed ores sourced from our own mining operations in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Our ores feature a combined lead and zinc content ranging from 48% to 60%. Specifically, zinc content is between 38% and 43%, while lead content varies from 8% to 14%. Additionally, our ores contain silver concentrations ranging from 400 to 900 parts per million (ppm).

These mixed ores are processed to meet stringent quality standards, ensuring high purity and performance. The significant silver content enhances the value of our ores, making them ideal for a range of applications beyond traditional lead and zinc extraction.

  • Lead / Zinc Ore - Pb > 5% to < 15%
    Zn > 15% to < 45%
    Ag > 200 ppm to 1000 ppm