Band 9: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram shows the different stages in the production of lead. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The diagram illustrates the process by which rock containing lead and other metals is transformed into lead bars.

Overall, the process consists of eight stages, beginning with mining the rock and ending with casting the purified lead into bars. These stages can be broadly grouped into three main phases: raw material preparation, refining and separation, and final production.

The process begins when rock containing lead and other metal is mined and transported to a factory. Following this, the materials is crushed, during which water is added. Once this crushing stage is complete, the mixture undergoes a mix process in a tank, where water and pine oil are introduced to create a lead mixture.

Afterward, the process continues with a filtration stage. The next step involves heating the filtered material to about 1400°C, producing melted lead and releasing waste gas. After being heated, the molten mixture is then moved to a separation kettle, where unwanted metals are removed as waste. The sequence concludes when the purified lead is cast into bars, marking the end of the process.