A process for producing metallic lead from lead battery plates and other types of lead scrap in a secondary lead smelting operation has been developed which comprises adding from 1% to 8% moisture and 0.5% to 5% oxygen to the air which is used to react with carbonaceous material such as coke to maintain the temperature in the melting region from about 1100. degree. C. to about 1300 C. The moisture is added to the air to react with the coke to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and the oxygen is added to maintain the temperature in the melting zone. Increased amounts of lead are produced using smaller quantities of coke and iron when the moisture and the oxygen are added to the air.
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