Nickel ores and concentrates

HS code 260400 covers the trade of nickel ores and concentrates, a critical raw material for the global metals and manufacturing industries. Nickel is a versatile and durable metal with a wide range of applications, from stainless steel production to the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles. As a key component in many industrial processes, the trade of nickel ores and concentrates plays a vital role in the broader economy.

Nickel ores and concentrates are typically extracted through mining operations, where the ore is removed from the earth's surface or subsurface. The extracted ore is then processed through a series of physical and chemical techniques to separate the nickel from other minerals and impurities. This may involve crushing, grinding, flotation, and smelting processes to produce a concentrated nickel product.

The production of nickel ores and concentrates requires a range of inputs, including heavy machinery for mining and processing, as well as energy sources such as electricity or fuel for powering the various stages of production. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce with expertise in mining, metallurgy, and chemical processing.

The primary output of HS code 260400 is nickel ores and concentrates, which are then consumed by other industries, such as 720310 Ferronickel and 750110 Nickel, not alloyed, for further processing and refining into pure nickel metal or nickel-based alloys. These refined nickel products are used in a wide range of applications, including the production of stainless steel, the manufacture of batteries, and the creation of specialized alloys for aerospace and other high-tech industries.