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, including electronics, jewelry, and industrial applications. 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 waste rock. 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 equipment and machinery, energy sources (such as electricity or fuel), and various chemical reagents used in the processing and refining stages. Additionally, skilled labor, transportation infrastructure, and access to specialized processing facilities are essential for the efficient and sustainable production of these valuable resources.

The primary outputs of HS code 261690 are the concentrated precious metal ores and concentrates, which can be further refined and processed into pure metals or used as feedstock for other industries. These precious metal products may be consumed by industries such as 711210 Gold, unwrought or in semi-manufactured forms, or in powder form, 711319 Other articles of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal, n.e.s., and 284430 Uranium or thorium ores and concentrates, among others.