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Base metals and concentrates 01 / 06

Copper, zinc,lead, nickel.

Base metals carry the power grid, construction, transport and packaging. We handle concentrates for smelting and refined metal for the processing industry, matching each quality with the plant that can treat it.

ConcentrateCathodeIngot

What we cover

Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Tin,Aluminium

MaterialCommercial formsTypical buyers
CopperConcentrate, cathode, blister and anodeSmelters, refiners, rod and tube mills
ZincConcentrate, SHG ingotZinc smelters, galvanisers, die-casters
LeadConcentrate, refined ingotLead smelters, battery makers
NickelConcentrate, cathode, briquettesStainless steel mills, alloy makers
TinCassiterite concentrate, ingotTin smelters, solder and tinplate makers
AluminiumPrimary ingot, foundry alloysExtruders, rolling mills, foundries

Market context

Grids, buildings and vehicles.

Demand for base metals follows construction, power networks, transport and manufacturing. Electrification adds to it: cables, motors, transformers and renewable generation all use large amounts of copper and aluminium, and galvanising keeps zinc tied to steel output.

Ore is mined in many regions and is usually concentrated at the mine and smelted elsewhere. Much of the world's copper and zinc smelting capacity sits in Asia, with further plants in Europe and the Americas. Refined metal is generally priced against exchange references, while concentrate terms take treatment and refining charges into account.

How we handle it

From sample todelivery.

A base-metal concentrate is valued on its grade, its payable metals and its impurities. Every smelter has its own limits: we match the material's profile with the plant that can accept it.

How we handle it

  1. 01

    Sampling

    Representative samples taken under the procedure agreed between the parties.

  2. 02

    Independent assay

    Tests at independent laboratories; results are shared with buyer and seller.

  3. 03

    Inspection

    Weight, quality and packing verified by an inspection company at loading or at destination.

  4. 04

    Logistics coordination

    Transport, storage and documents with the providers chosen by the parties.

Specification

What buyers usually specify.

MaterialSpecification
CopperCopper grade, payable gold and silver, penalty impurities (arsenic, bismuth, antimony, mercury) and moisture. For cathode, Grade A quality.
ZincZinc grade, iron, silica and halides in the concentrate; purity of the SHG ingot.
LeadLead grade, payable silver, zinc and arsenic; purity of the refined ingot.
NickelContained nickel and cobalt, iron-to-magnesia ratio; purity and form of cathode or briquette.
TinTin grade, impurities (arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tungsten) and 3TG documentation.
AluminiumIngot purity (P1020 or equivalent), iron and silicon, bundle weight and strapping.

Common industry practice. Each transaction sets its own specification and assay methods.

Base metals and concentrates

Concentrates for smelters andrefined metal for the processingindustry.

Markets and end uses

Where the material goes.

  1. 01

    Power and cables

    Copper and aluminium for grids, cables and motors.

  2. 02

    Construction

    Galvanised steel, roofing, pipes and profiles.

  3. 03

    Transport

    Vehicles, batteries and lightweight structures.

  4. 04

    Packaging and electronics

    Tinplate, solder and aluminium packaging.

Compliance

Verification first, then thetransaction.

Tin is one of the 3TG minerals: we apply the OECD Due Diligence Guidance and request a CMRT where it applies. Metals placed on the EU market are subject to REACH.

Minex Industries only writes from @minexindustries.com addresses. If you receive an offer in our name from any other address, do not act on it and let us know at info@minexindustries.com.

Insights

Copper concentrate: what it is andhow it is valued.

Why most copper leaves the mine as a concentrate, and what a smelter looks at before it buys.

Contact

Looking for amaterial?

Tell us the material, form and destination. We reply personally.

Enquire about base metals

We only write from @minexindustries.com addresses.