Imagine standing on vast land surrounded by what appears to be worthless industrial waste. Where others see trash, you see opportunity - the potential wealth hidden within these unassuming materials. This isn't fantasy but reality: a lucrative market waiting to be tapped.
Welcome to the global trade of ores, slags, and ashes! This isn't just an industry but a field brimming with opportunities, challenges, and unlimited potential. Whether you're an experienced trader or a newcomer, this guide provides the essential knowledge to succeed in this specialized market.
Chapter 1: Understanding the Rules - Overview and Exceptions
Like any endeavor, you must first understand the rules. In trading ores, slags, and ashes, these rules are defined by classifications that determine which materials belong to this category and which don't.
Key exceptions include:
- Road construction materials: While derived from industrial waste, these fall under tariff heading 25.17.
- Natural magnesium carbonate: Magnesite, whether calcined or not, belongs to heading 25.19.
- Petroleum sludge: Tank-bottom residues primarily containing petroleum fall under 27.10.
- Alkaline slag fertilizers: Used in agriculture, these belong to Chapter 31.
- Mineral wool: Slag wool, rock wool, and similar materials are classified under 68.06.
- Precious metal waste: Materials containing precious metals fall under 71.12 or 85.49.
- Matte: Intermediate copper, nickel, or cobalt products from smelting belong to Section XV.
Chapter 2: Defining "Ore" - The Metallurgical Cornerstone
The term "ore" has specific meaning in this context:
- Metallurgical use: Only minerals actually used to extract metals (mercury, metals of heading 28.44, or Section XIV/XV metals) qualify as ores.
- No special processing: The minerals must not undergo treatments beyond standard metallurgical methods.
Chapter 3: The Value in Slags, Ashes, and Residues
Often dismissed as waste, these materials hold significant value when they meet specific criteria:
- Industrial application: Must be used for metal extraction or as bases for metal compounds (excluding municipal waste incineration ashes under 26.21).
- Arsenic-containing materials: Regardless of metal content, these belong here if used for arsenic/metal extraction or compound production.
Chapter 4: Precise Classification - Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Critical subheading notes for accurate classification:
- Lead gasoline sludge (2620.21): Specifically from leaded gasoline/anti-knock compound storage, containing lead compounds and iron oxide.
- Arsenic/mercury/thallium mixtures (2620.60): For extraction or compound manufacturing of these elements.
Chapter 5: HS Codes for Ores and Concentrates
Key Harmonized System classifications for efficient trading:
- 26.01: Iron ores/concentrates (including roasted iron pyrites)
- 26.02: Manganese ores (≥20% Mn content)
- 26.03-26.17: Specific metal ores (copper, nickel, cobalt, aluminum, etc.)
- 26.18-26.21: Slag and ash classifications (granulated slag, steel industry waste, etc.)
Chapter 6: HS Codes for Slags, Dross, and Residues
Precise classification prevents customs issues:
- 26.18: Granulated slag from iron/steel industry
- 26.19: Other iron/steel industry slag and waste
- 26.20: Metal/arsenic-containing residues (detailed subcategories by primary metal)
- 26.21: Other slags/ashes (including municipal incineration residues)
With this knowledge, you're equipped to navigate this specialized trading sector. Success lies in meticulous classification and understanding the inherent value others might overlook.