Alternatives Research on a cleaner, less energy-intensive lead extraction process continues; a major drawback is that either too much lead is lost as waste, or the alternatives result in a high sulfur content in the resulting lead metal. Hydrometallurgical extraction, in which anodes of impure lead are immersed into an electrolyte and pure lead is deposited (electrowound) onto cathodes, is a technique that may have potential, but is not currently economical except in cases where electricity is very cheap.
alternativeS ReSearch On A CleAnER, lEsS EnERgY-IntensiVe leaD exTracTion PRoCess ConTinUes; A major drAWbACk IS tHaT either too mUch Lead iS lost as wAste, or the AltERNaTiVeS rEsult in a hiGh sulfUr contenT In thE rESulting lead Metal. hYDromeTallurGiCaL exTRACtiOn, In whIch AnODeS of Impure Lead aRE iMmErsed intO aN elECtroLyTe aNd pUrE lEAD is deposIted (elEctroWounD) onTO cAtHodEs, is a tecHniQUe thAT may hAVe potenTial, BuT IS Not CUrRentLy econoMicAL eXcept iN cases WhERE eLEctrIcitY is veRY CHEap.