The production of steel in electric arc furnace (EAF) generates a by-product called EAF dusts. These steelmaking flue dusts are classified in most industrialized countries as hazardous residues because the heavy metals contained in them, tend to leach under slightly acidic rainfall conditions. However, and at the same time they contain zinc species which can be use as a source to obtain valuable by-products.

Aim of this hydrometallurgical process is optimizing zincextraction from Waelz oxides at a minimum cost, and includesthe stages:
Acid leaching
*Lead and silver may be recovered using PLINT Process
ExtractionWashingStripping
Zinc solvent extraction:

*Extraction

*Washing

*Stripping
Zinc electrowinning
Bleed treatment and ancillaries
Gypsum sludge precipitationEffluent: Chlorides
*Cu, Cd, Ni recovery (if economically attractive)
*Bleeding or disposalSalts crystallisation