From scrap to lead

Old lead, of which more than half comes from the Netherlands, is supplied through the metal trade sector. It is interesting to know that the degree of collection of lead, which is 95%, is the highest among all non-ferrous metals. After arrival there is a quality inspection first, after which the old lead is melted in order to separate the lead from the substances that are useless to us. After this the lead is refined: the impurities are removed and copper is added to give lead the qualities so that it can meet the EN12588 standard. The end product is a block of lead that is taken to the rolling mill. The residual substances that are useless for us are sold to specialised companies which refine them further and convert them into commercial metals such as copper, zinc, tin, lead, antimony and iron.