The invention relates to a method for processing residue containing zinc ferrites and nonferrous metals selected from the group comprising lead (Pb), silver (Ag), indium (In), germanium (Ge) and gallium (Ga) or mixtures thereof in the form of oxides or sulphates, that comprises the following steps: grilling the residue at high temperature in an oxidant medium in order to obtain a desulphurised residue; carbiding reduction-fusion of the desulphurised residue in a reducing medium; liquid phase extraction of carbide cast iron and slag; vapour-phase extraction of the nonferrous metals followed by the oxidation thereof and their recovery in a solid form.