Nickel; waste and scrap

HS code 750300 covers the classification of nickel waste and scrap. Nickel is a vital metal with a wide range of industrial applications, from stainless steel production to electroplating and battery manufacturing. The global trade in nickel waste and scrap is an important component of the broader nickel industry, facilitating the recycling and reuse of this valuable material.

Nickel waste and scrap is typically collected, sorted, and processed through various techniques to recover the pure nickel content. This may involve mechanical separation, chemical processing, or smelting to extract the nickel from other materials. The specific methods used can vary depending on the composition and quality of the waste stream.

The main inputs required for the nickel waste and scrap industry include the collection and aggregation of nickel-containing materials, such as discarded products, manufacturing byproducts, and end-of-life components. Specialized equipment for sorting, processing, and refining the nickel content is also a key input. Additionally, the industry relies on access to energy sources and other resources to power the various processing techniques.

The primary output of the nickel waste and scrap industry is refined nickel metal, which can then be used as a raw material for a wide range of downstream industries. This includes the production of 720810 stainless steel, 851770 batteries, and 854411 electrical wiring, among others. The recycled nickel can also be used to supplement primary nickel production, reducing the need for mining and extraction of new nickel resources.