Galena or Galena is a natural mineral that contains lead sulfide (PbS). This mineral is the most source of lead Metal (Pb) extraction in lead mines. Galena is a sedimentary Rock mineral and is widely found in lead sedimentary rocks. This mineral is formed in hydrothermal and sedimentary systems of carbonate formations. Also, famous lead mines such as Bogan galena mine in Romania, Stone lead mine in Wisconsin in the United States, and Turumba lead mine in Australia contain galena. Galena is used as one of the most important Minerals of lead metal.

Lead is a heavy metal that is widely used in various industries such as batteries, pipes, alloys and anti-corrosion materials. Also, lead is used in the Glass industry, electrical insulation and Paint industry. Lead, as an important metal, has wide applications in various industries. Lead is used as the main material in acid batteries. These batteries are used in cars, unstable power systems and electronic devices.

Due to its anti-corrosion properties and resistance to water and chemicals, lead pipes and flanges are used to transport water and Chemical fluids. Lead is used as an important element in the fuel supply systems of cars. Tetraethyllead was used in the past as an anti-ignition agent in gasoline, but has been banned in many countries due to environmental and health concerns. Due to the environmental and health risks associated with the use of lead, non-toxic alternatives with similar properties are used in place of lead in some applications.

To convert galena or lead sulfide to lead metal, a process called "decomposition" or "with water and carbon" is used. This process is generally used in industrial lead transactions. First, the galena must be crushed and ground to the appropriate size for the decomposition process. The crushed material is sieved to have a uniform particle size and to separate the larger particles from the smaller ones. The crushed and sieved materials should be dried to reduce their moisture content and allow the decomposition process to be carried out well.

The dried galena is placed together with carbon (usually in the form of coke) and water in a furnace or decomposition rack. At high temperature, a chemical reaction occurs between lead sulfide and carbon, which leads to the decomposition of galena and the formation of lead metal. After the decomposition process is completed, the resulting product consists of lead metal and other byproducts. To separate the lead metal from the byproducts, steps such as filtration, viscosity separation, and melting of the lead metal using the hydrometallurgy process may be employed. Since the process of breaking down galena into lead metal requires special temperature and conditions, generally in the industry, specialized equipment and technologies are used for optimal exploitation.

Lead is used as an alloying material in the production of glasses. Lead gives elemental glass strength, transparency and anti-corrosion properties. Lead compounds are used to produce electrical insulators. These insulators are used in electronic and electromagnetic equipment. Lead compounds are used to produce lead paints. These colors are preferred due to their anti-corrosion properties and resistance to sun and weather. Due to the high resistance of lead to corrosion, lead alloys are used to produce anti-corrosion materials in industries such as construction, water and sewage facilities, and chemical industries.

Galena is used in the Jewelry industry due to its luster and attractive appearance. In some cases, galena is used as a Gemstone in jewelry production. Due to its special physical and chemical properties, galena is used in laboratories and scientific research for study and experiments related to lithology, mineralogy and chemistry. Because galena contains uranium crystals, it may be used as a mineral source for uranium extraction and use in the nuclear energy industry. Some galena compounds are used in related industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries due to their specific chemical properties, such as antibacterial or antifungal properties.