What is Copper Concentrate?
Copper concentrate is the intermediate product of the froth flotation process, produced at mine sites before smelting. Crushed ore is ground and floated to produce a high-Cu content powder that is dried, bagged or bulk-loaded, and sold to custom smelters under long-term or spot contracts. Concentrate is the primary tradeable commodity for copper mines and is priced relative to the LME copper price minus treatment charges (TC) and refining charges (RC).
SmeltBridge connects concentrate producers in Zambia and the DRC with global custom smelters and trading houses. All listed suppliers are registered mining operations with valid export documentation and OECD-compliant supply chain due diligence.
New buyers: Copper concentrate is a smelter feedstock — pricing is expressed as a treatment charge per dry metric tonne (DMT) subtracted from the LME settlement price. The final net value per tonne of concentrate depends on the contained copper and the prevailing TC/RC benchmark. We'll work out the payable value on enquiry.
Concentrate Grade Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Copper Content | 25-35% Cu (mine-specific, confirmed at offer) |
| Moisture Content | Maximum 10% (dry weight basis) |
| Gold (Au) | Payable if ≥ 1 g/t (subject to terms) |
| Silver (Ag) | Payable if ≥ 30 g/t (subject to terms) |
| Arsenic (As) | Typically < 0.5% (penalty schedule may apply) |
| Fluorine (F) | Typically < 0.1% |
| Mercury (Hg) | < 1 ppm (max allowable) |
| Particle Size | Typically 80-90% passing 75 microns (mesh) |
| Packing | 1 MT big bags or bulk loose in containers/hold |
| Documentation | Assay report, moisture cert, weight note, COA |
How Concentrate Pricing Works
Concentrate is priced at LME settlement minus TC/RC. Enquire for current terms.
TC/RC benchmark set annually. Spot market quotes deviate from benchmark. Confirm on enquiry.
Where We Source From
Delivery & Incoterms
| FOB Durban | Primary route. 20-25 MT containers or breakbulk. |
| FOB Dar es Salaam | Alternate for DRC and north Zambia origin. Shorter haul to port. |
| CIF (to order) | Available. Freight quoted separately per shipment. |
| Minimum Order | 500 DMT (dry metric tonne) per lot |
| Payment Terms | LC at sight or TT against presentation documents. Negotiated for established buyers. |
| Inspection | SGS or CISS at load port (buyer arranges, cost buyer responsibility). |
Looking for Copper Concentrates?
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