Extraction methods from refractory ores

A method for extracting at least one metal from an Arsenic-containing ore, concentrate or tailings, the method comprising:

• mixing a mixture comprising the ore, concentrate or tailings with a calcium-containing material and at least one from an alkali metal halide and alkaline metal halide;
• heating the mixture in the presence of air or oxygen, and thereby producing metal-containing volatile complexes and a solid residue comprising immobilized arsenic, wherein the heating step is performed under a reduced pressure in the range from a 0.5% to 10% decrease from the standard sea-level atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kilopascals;
• condensing the metal-containing volatile complexes in a scrubber containing at least one dry sorbent bed, and thereby producing a metal-loaded sorbent bed;
• recovering the metal from the metal-loaded sorbent bed;
• and
• disposing of the solid residue containing immobilized Arsenic.