Nickel ores and concentrates
HS v2022 Code: 2604
About nickel ores and concentrates
HS code 2604 covers nickel ores and concentrates, a crucial raw material for the production of nickel, a versatile metal with a wide range of industrial applications. Nickel is an essential component in the manufacturing of stainless steel, superalloys, and various other metal alloys, making it an integral part of the global manufacturing and construction industries. The trade and processing of nickel ores and concentrates is a significant contributor to the international economy, supporting industries across sectors.
Production process
Nickel ores and concentrates are typically extracted through mining operations, which involve the removal of nickel-bearing minerals from the earth's crust. The extracted 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 through smelting and other metallurgical processes to produce pure nickel metal or nickel-containing alloys.
Production inputs
The production of nickel ores and concentrates requires several key inputs, including mining equipment, energy sources (such as electricity or fuel), and water for processing. Additionally, the industry relies on skilled labor, transportation infrastructure, and access to geological surveys and exploration data to identify and extract viable nickel deposits. The availability and cost of these inputs can significantly impact the overall competitiveness and profitability of the nickel mining and processing industry.
Production outputs
The primary output of HS code 2604 is nickel ores and concentrates, which are then consumed by industries classified under 7502 Unwrought nickel, 7503 Nickel waste and scrap, and 7504 Nickel powders and flakes, among others. These downstream industries use nickel as a key raw material in the production of various metal products, including stainless steel, superalloys, and rechargeable batteries, which are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors.
Family tree for nickel ores and concentrates
graph LR
A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/26'>26: Ores, slag and ash</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2604'>2604: Nickel ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2601'>2601: Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2602'>2602: Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry weight</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2603'>2603: Copper ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2605'>2605: Cobalt ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2606'>2606: Aluminium ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2607'>2607: Lead ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2608'>2608: Zinc ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2609'>2609: Tin ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2610'>2610: Chromium ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2611'>2611: Tungsten ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2612'>2612: Uranium or thorium ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> N["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2613'>2613: Molybdenum ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> O["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2614'>2614: Titanium ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> P["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2615'>2615: Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> Q["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2616'>2616: Precious metal ores and concentrates</a>"]
A --> R["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2617'>2617: Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601</a>"]
A --> S["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2618'>2618: Granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel</a>"]
A --> T["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2619'>2619: Slag, dross; (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the manufacture of iron or steel</a>"]
A --> U["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2620'>2620: Slag, ash and residues; (not from the manufacture of iron or steel) containing metals, arsenic or their compounds</a>"]
A --> V["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/2621'>2621: Slag and ash n.e.c. in chapter 26; including seaweed ash (kelp) and ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste</a>"]
B --> W["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/260400'>260400: Nickel ores and concentrates</a>"]
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