The mechanochemical treatment of the sulphidic minerals galena PbS, chalcopyrite CuFeS2 and chalcosine Cu2S with elemental Fe have been studied. Metallic Pb and Cu are produced as a result of the reducing power of iron. The kinetics of the chalcosine reduction has been followed by X-ray examination of the reaction products. The reduction processes are very fast and the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure are sufficient for their propagation. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.