A revolutionary new hydro-metallurgical technology has been developed by two companies; Doe Run Company, USA in partnership with M/s Engitec, Italy. A commercial plant for producing 60,000 tonnes per annum of lead metal at an estimated capital cost of 150 million US Dollar is envisaged setting up by Doe Run Company, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The breakthrough technology not only envisages improvements in lead processing efficiencies but also is expected to drastically reduce air emissions, waste generations and water pollution and will have smaller carbon footprint.