Nickel mattes
Nickel mattes, nickel oxide sinters and other intermediate products of nickel metallurgy: > Nickel mattes
Duty Rate (from China)
Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
Products classified under HTS 7501.10.00.00
High-Grade Nickel Matte
High-grade nickel matte is a molten intermediate product produced during nickel smelting, containing approximately 70-80% nickel along with copper, iron, and sulfur impurities. It falls under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as a primary form of nickel matte used in the metallurgy process before further refining into pure nickel.
Converter Nickel Matte
Converter nickel matte is produced in the converting stage of nickel smelting, where Bessemer matte is oxidized to reduce impurities, resulting in a product typically containing 45-75% nickel. Classified under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as it represents the standard nickel matte intermediate before final refining.
Bessemer Nickel Matte
Bessemer nickel matte is the initial matte formed in the Bessemer converter during pyrometallurgical nickel processing, with nickel content around 40-60% before upgrading. It qualifies for HTS 7501.10.00.00 as a fundamental nickel matte product in the smelting chain.
Pierce-Smith Converter Matte
Pierce-Smith converter matte is generated in horizontal converters during the converting stage of nickel production, featuring high nickel and reduced sulfur content. This specific type falls under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as standard nickel matte used globally in metallurgy.
Falconbridge Process Nickel Matte
Falconbridge process nickel matte is produced using the proprietary oxygen-flash converting technology, yielding high-quality matte with 75%+ nickel content. It is classified under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as a nickel matte intermediate regardless of specific production method.
INCO Flash Converter Matte
INCO flash converter matte results from the flash smelting process developed by International Nickel Company, producing continuous high-grade nickel matte streams. This product is definitively under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as the core nickel matte form.
Norilsk-Style High Copper Nickel Matte
Norilsk-style nickel matte contains elevated copper levels (20-30%) typical of Russian sulfide ore processing, still primarily classified as nickel matte under HTS 7501.10.00.00 when nickel predominates.
Sudbury Basin Slow-Cooled Nickel Matte
Sudbury Basin slow-cooled nickel matte is produced from Canadian shield ores and allowed to solidify gradually to control mineralogy, containing 60-70% nickel. Falls under HTS 7501.10.00.00 as conventional nickel matte.
Laterite Ore-Derived Nickel Matte
Nickel matte from lateritic ore processing via high-pressure acid leaching followed by sulfide precipitation, typically 40-60% nickel content. Classified under HTS 7501.10.00.00 despite hydrometallurgical origin when meeting matte specifications.
Electric Furnace Nickel Matte
Electric furnace nickel matte produced in submerged arc furnaces from calcine feed, achieving 70% nickel content with low impurities. Standard classification under HTS 7501.10.00.00 for all furnace-derived mattes.