Precious metal ores and concentrates; (excluding silver)

HS code 261690 covers the trade of precious metal ores and concentrates, excluding silver. This industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, as precious metals are essential raw materials for a wide range of industries, from electronics and jewelry to industrial applications and investment. The extraction and processing of these ores are vital to meeting the growing demand for precious metals worldwide.

The production of precious metal ores and concentrates typically involves a multi-step process. First, the ore is extracted from the earth through mining operations, which can include both surface and underground mining techniques. The extracted ore is then crushed, ground, and processed to separate the valuable metal-bearing minerals from the surrounding rock and impurities. This is often done using a combination of physical and chemical separation methods, such as gravity separation, flotation, and leaching.

The main inputs required for the production of precious metal ores and concentrates include the raw ore deposits, mining and processing equipment, energy sources, and skilled labor. The specific inputs can vary depending on the type of precious metal being extracted and the geological characteristics of the deposit. Additionally, the industry relies on access to transportation infrastructure and logistics networks to move the ores and concentrates to processing facilities and markets.

The primary output of HS code 261690 is the precious metal ores and concentrates, which are then further processed and refined to produce pure precious metals. These refined metals are used in a wide range of applications, including 711510 Precious metal articles, including articles of natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, 851770 Parts of telephone sets, telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks, and 711230 Other articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal. The industry's outputs are essential inputs for many other industries, making it a vital component of the global supply chain.