Zinc and lead are usually concomitantly present in Zn—Pb ores and tailings. A novel nonpolluting hydrometallurgical process for selectively leaching and recovering zinc (Zn) from a composite lead (Pb) and zinc sulphide containing mineral, crushed untreated rock or unconsolidated mineral particles, mill tailings and/or agglomerated or unagglomerated sulphidic zinc containing waste material ...