Specifications, benchmark prices, penalty elements, sampling and settlement for the ores we are asked about most, with every figure sourced and dated, and a checklist for buyers and sellers.
Each guide covers grades and benchmark specifications, how the price is built, who supplies it, and the shipping and settlement rules that apply.
How manganese ore is graded, priced per mtu and bought: index specifications, penalty elements, sampling standards, and export policy in Gabon and Ghana.
Read the guide →Ore guideHow iron ore is priced against a 62% Fe benchmark, how silica, alumina and phosphorus adjust the price, lump premiums, and why fines can liquefy at sea.
Read the guide →Ore guideHow chrome ore is graded by Cr2O3 and Cr:Fe ratio, where it is mined, what it costs, how South African and Zimbabwean ore differ, and shipping risk.
Read the guide →Ore guideWhat lead and zinc concentrates are, the harmful-element limits that decide whether they can be sold, moisture and shipping rules, and how assays are settled.
Read the guide →What importing countries paid for manganese ore, copper, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead and aluminium, against the benchmark. Summaries here, full reports by email.
See the research →International tradeHow international ore deals are structured, and which countries restrict raw ore exports.
Read the trade guides →Calculatorsdmtu to price per tonne, unit conversion, penalties, CIF to FOB and concentrate value.
Open the calculators →ChecklistA practical checklist for buying or selling ore: specification, assay and sampling, payment security, permits and title, shipping documents, and red flags.
Open the checklist →Glossary32 terms defined in plain language: dmtu, umpire assay, splitting limit, transportable moisture limit, CIF and more.
Browse the glossary →The library covers production, reserves, grades, recycling and trade for 18 metals, including the rare and critical metals. See the rare metals guide.