Lead [Pb]
The softest and most dense (11.34 g/cc) of the well-known metals, melting at 327 degC. It’s mechanical properties have lent itself to applications involving metalworking (forming, machining) and its physical properties to weighting, ionising, radiation shielding and electrical/electronic connections. Lead’s important chemical properties are typified by the lead-acid battery.
The toxicity of lead and its compounds has meant progressive elimination or reduction in use where viable alternatives exist, but important industrial applications remain.
Lead is traded on the LME which provides the pricing basis for the metal and its concentrates.
LME quality is min 99.97% purity.
CERUSSITE [PbCO3]
The carbonate mineral of lead is supplied in concentrate form to the following specification:
- PbO - 70% min
- S - 2% max
- Si - 8% max
- Bi - 0.01% max
- Ag - 0.005% max
- Fe - 1% max
- Moisture max 10%
GALENA [PbS]
The sulphide mineral is supplied to the following specification:
- PbO - 70% min
- S - 15% max
- Si - 8% max
- Bi - 0.01% max
- Ag - 0.005% max
- Fe - 1% max
- Moisture max 10%
Packing is in 2mt jumbo bags.
