Nickel ores and concentrates

cpc code 1422 covers the extraction and processing of nickel ores and concentrates, a critical raw material for a wide range of industries. Nickel is a versatile metal with high corrosion resistance, strength, and heat conductivity, making it essential for the production of stainless steel, superalloys, and various other industrial and consumer products. The nickel mining and refining industry plays a vital role in supporting the global manufacturing and construction sectors.

The production of nickel ores and concentrates typically involves mining operations to extract the raw nickel-bearing ores from the earth's crust. These ores are then processed through a series of beneficiation techniques, such as crushing, grinding, and flotation, to concentrate the nickel content and remove impurities. The resulting nickel concentrate is then further refined using pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical processes to produce pure nickel metal or nickel-containing intermediates.

The main inputs required for the nickel ores and concentrates industry include mining equipment, such as excavators, haul trucks, and crushing and grinding machinery, as well as energy sources, such as electricity and fuel, to power the mining and processing operations. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including geologists, mining engineers, and plant operators, to extract and process the nickel ores efficiently.

The primary outputs of the nickel ores and concentrates industry are nickel metal, nickel oxide, and other nickel-containing intermediates. These outputs are then consumed by a range of downstream industries, including 1423 Nickel, 3311 Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing, and 3313 Alumina and aluminum production and processing, which use nickel as a key input for the production of various products, such as stainless steel, superalloys, and batteries.