A process for recovery lead including providing lead-bearing material. The lead-bearing material includes lead sulfate (PbSO.sub.4). The lead-bearing material is heated resulting in the formation of gaseous sulfur compounds and lead oxide. The gaseous sulfur compounds and the lead oxide are separated. The lead oxide is lanced with a hydrocarbon resulting in the formation of lead (Pb) and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2). The lead and the carbon dioxide are separated.

A process for recovery lead including providing lead-bearing material. The lead-bearing material includes lead sulfate (PbSO.sub.4). The lead-bearing material is heated resulting in the formation of gaseous sulfur compounds and lead oxide. The gaseous sulfur compounds and the lead oxide are separated. The lead oxide is lanced with a hydrocarbon resulting in the formation of lead (Pb) and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2). The lead and the carbon dioxide are separated.