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.
What we cover
Copper, Zinc, Lead, Nickel, Tin,Aluminium
| Material | Commercial forms | Typical buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Concentrate, cathode, blister and anode | Smelters, refiners, rod and tube mills |
| Zinc | Concentrate, SHG ingot | Zinc smelters, galvanisers, die-casters |
| Lead | Concentrate, refined ingot | Lead smelters, battery makers |
| Nickel | Concentrate, cathode, briquettes | Stainless steel mills, alloy makers |
| Tin | Cassiterite concentrate, ingot | Tin smelters, solder and tinplate makers |
| Aluminium | Primary ingot, foundry alloys | Extruders, 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
- 01
Sampling
Representative samples taken under the procedure agreed between the parties.
- 02
Independent assay
Tests at independent laboratories; results are shared with buyer and seller.
- 03
Inspection
Weight, quality and packing verified by an inspection company at loading or at destination.
- 04
Logistics coordination
Transport, storage and documents with the providers chosen by the parties.
Specification
What buyers usually specify.
| Material | Specification |
|---|---|
| Copper | Copper grade, payable gold and silver, penalty impurities (arsenic, bismuth, antimony, mercury) and moisture. For cathode, Grade A quality. |
| Zinc | Zinc grade, iron, silica and halides in the concentrate; purity of the SHG ingot. |
| Lead | Lead grade, payable silver, zinc and arsenic; purity of the refined ingot. |
| Nickel | Contained nickel and cobalt, iron-to-magnesia ratio; purity and form of cathode or briquette. |
| Tin | Tin grade, impurities (arsenic, antimony, bismuth, tungsten) and 3TG documentation. |
| Aluminium | Ingot 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.
- 01
Power and cables
Copper and aluminium for grids, cables and motors.
- 02
Construction
Galvanised steel, roofing, pipes and profiles.
- 03
Transport
Vehicles, batteries and lightweight structures.
- 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.
Other families
Minerals and metals.

Au · Ag · PGM
Precious metals and PGMs
Gold · Silver · Platinum · Palladium · Rhodium
View the family
Li · Co · Ni · Mn
Battery and energy metals
Lithium · Cobalt · Graphite · Nickel · Manganese
View the family
Fe · Cr · Mn · V
Steel raw materials and ferroalloys
Iron ore · Chrome · Manganese · Vanadium · Ferroalloys
View the family
REE · Ta · W · Sb
Minor and critical metals
Rare earths · Ta-Nb · Tungsten · Antimony · Mineral sands
View the family
S
Industrial minerals
Sulphur
View the familyContact
Looking for amaterial?
Tell us the material, form and destination. We reply personally.
Enquire about base metalsWe only write from @minexindustries.com addresses.


