Barium carbonate (witherite); natural, whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading no. 2816

HS code 251120 covers the classification of barium carbonate, also known as witherite, a naturally occurring mineral that is used in a variety of industrial applications. Barium carbonate is an important raw material in the production of various chemicals, ceramics, and glass products, making it a crucial component in several key industries within the broader economy.

Barium carbonate is primarily extracted from natural deposits through mining operations. The extracted ore is then crushed, ground, and processed to remove impurities, resulting in a high-purity barium carbonate product. Depending on the intended use, the barium carbonate may also undergo calcination, a process that involves heating the material to a high temperature to drive off carbon dioxide and produce a more refined product.

The main inputs required for the production of barium carbonate include the natural barium carbonate ore, as well as various processing equipment and energy sources needed for the extraction, crushing, and refining of the material. Additionally, the production process may require the use of other chemicals or additives, depending on the specific application or desired product characteristics.

The primary output of HS code 251120 is refined barium carbonate, which is then used as a raw material in the production of a wide range of products, including 282590 barium compounds, 695010 ceramic products, and 700720 glass products. Barium carbonate is also used in the manufacture of 284410 nuclear reactors and 284420 radioactive elements, as well as in the production of various paints, pigments, and other specialty chemicals.