Galena (Lead Ore)

Galena (Lead Ore) from Pakistan

Galena is a lead sulphide mineral (PbS) containing 86.6% lead in its pure form. It is the world’s primary ore of lead and an important source of by-product silver. Galena has a distinctive metallic silver-grey appearance with a cubic crystal structure, perfect cubic cleavage, and very high specific gravity (7.4-7.6). Pakistan’s geological formations host galena mineralization in vein-type and replacement-type deposits across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the northern mountainous regions. The ore frequently occurs alongside sphalerite (zinc ore) and other sulphide minerals.

Available Forms

• Hand-sorted lumps: 20-150 mm (65-75% Pb)

• Run-of-mine (ROM) lumps: 10-200 mm (50-60% Pb)

• Crushed ore: 0-50 mm, 0-25 mm

• Flotation concentrate: 70-75% Pb

• Custom sizing available

Industrial Uses

• Primary lead smelting: Galena is roasted and reduced in blast furnaces or flash smelters to produce lead bullion (97-99% Pb), which is then refined to 99.97%+ pure lead. Lead smelting is the largest consumer of galena globally

• Silver recovery: Silver present in galena (as argentiferous galena) is recovered during lead smelting and refining. Silver reports to the lead bullion and is separated by the Parkes process or electrolytic refining. Silver credits can be a significant revenue component

• Lead-acid batteries: Refined lead from galena is the primary raw material for lead-acid battery manufacturing, which accounts for over 80% of global lead consumption. Applications include automotive starting batteries, industrial standby power, UPS systems, and energy storage

• Lead sheets and pipes: Pure lead sheet, pipe, and extrusions are used for radiation shielding, roofing, chemical tank linings, cable sheathing, and soundproofing

• Lead alloys: Lead from galena is alloyed with antimony, tin, calcium, and other metals to produce battery grids, solder, bearings, ballast, and ammunition

• Lead chemicals: Refined lead is converted into lead oxide (litharge, red lead), lead carbonate, lead stearate, and other compounds for use in glass, ceramics, pigments, PVC stabilizers, and lubricants

• Radiation shielding: Lead’s high density and atomic number make it the standard material for X-ray, gamma-ray, and nuclear radiation shielding in hospitals, laboratories, and nuclear facilities

• Mineral specimens: High-quality galena crystals with well-formed cubic faces are valued by mineral collectors and educational institutions

Quality Assurance

Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis reporting Pb, Ag, Zn, Fe, S, SiO₂, Cu, As, Sb, Bi, Cd, moisture, and size distribution. Assays are performed by accredited laboratories using fire assay (for Ag) and ICP/AAS methods. Pre-shipment samples are provided for buyer approval. Third-party inspection (SGS, Intertek, Alex Stewart, or equivalent) can be arranged. Umpire assay provisions are available for large contracts.