NFM

INTRODUCTIONIn metallurgy, a non-ferrous metal is any metal, including alloys, that does not contain iron in appreciable amounts. Generally more expensive than ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals are used because of desirable properties such as low weight (e.g., aluminium), higher conductivity (e.g., copper), non-magnetic property or resistance to corrosion (e.g., zinc). Some non-ferrous materials are also used in the iron and steel industries. For example, bauxite is used as flux for blast furnaces, while others such as wolframite, pyrolusite and chromite are used in making ferrous alloys.Important non-ferrous metals include aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc. Precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum and exotic or rare metal such as cobalt, mercury, tungsten, beryllium, bismuth, cerium, cadmium, niobium, indium, gallium, germanium, lithium, selenium, tantalum, tellurium, vanadium, and zirconium are also non-ferrous. They are usually obtained through minerals such as sulfides, carbonates, and silicates. Non-ferrous metals are usually refined through electrolysis.

RECYCLING AND POLLUTION CONTROLDue to its extensive use, non-ferrous scrap metal is usually recycled. The secondary materials in scrap are vital to the metallurgy industry, as the production of new metals often needs them. Some recycling facilities resmelt and recast non-ferrous materials; the dross is collected and stored onsite while the metal fumes are filtered and collected.[8] Non-ferrous scrap metals are sourced from industrial scrap materials, particle emissions and obsolete technology (for example, copper cables) scrap. Precious non-ferrous materials are usually sourced from jewellery, electronics and used industrial catalysts. Recycling non-ferrous materials can pose hazards due to exposure. Skin disorders, respiratory problems and poisoning have been reported as health hazards. Extraction and use of non-ferrous materials pollutes the environment. Though the pollution agents vary for each non-ferrous metal (like red mud for aluminium), they often include sulfur dioxide, particulates and various constituents such as fluorides. Sulfur dioxide is a known problem as most non-ferrous metals are extracted from sulfide ores. They can be recovered in high amounts and be sold as liquid sulfur oxide or sulfuric acid. Submicron metallic particulates are released in every aspect of the production of non-ferrous metals. These particulates may be removed through bag houses, electrostatic precipitators and drop scrubbers. Constituents such as fluorides vary from smelter to smelter and can be recovered or removed through special processes.

HISTORYNon-ferrous metals were the first metals used by humans for metallurgy. Gold, silver and copper existed in their native crystalline yet metallic form. These crystals, though rare, are enough to attract the attention of humans. Less susceptible to oxygen than most other metals, they can be found even in weathered outcroppings. Copper was the first metal to be forged; it was soft enough to be fashioned into various objects by cold forging, and it could be melted in a crucible. Gold, silver and copper replaced some of the functions of other resources, such as wood and stone, owing to their ability to be shaped into various forms for different uses. Due to their rarity, these gold, silver and copper artifacts were treated as luxury items and handled with great care. The use of copper also heralded the transition from the Stone Age to the Copper Age. The Bronze Age, which succeeded the Copper Age, was again heralded by the invention of bronze, an alloy of copper with the non-ferrous metal tin.

RECYCLING PROCESSThe metal recycling industry has an efficient structure with numerous small companies purchasing scrap material and feeding this to highly effective larger international businesses.Non-ferrous metal recycling involves some, or all of the following steps: Sorting:In order to be recycled appropriately, different types of non-ferrous metals need to be separated from each other, as well as from other recyclables such as paper and plastic. Baling:Non-ferrous materials are compacted into large blocks to facilitate handling and transportation. Shearing:Hydraulic machinery capable of exerting enormous pressure is used to cut metals into manageable sizes. Media separation:Shredders incorporate rotating magnetic drums to separate non-ferrous from ferrous metals. Further separation is achieved using electrical currents, high-pressure air flow and liquid floating systems. Further processing may be needed. Melting:The recovered materials are melted down in a furnace, poured into casters and shaped into ingots. These ingots are either used in the foundry industry or they can be transformed into flat sheets and other wrought products such as tubing, which are then used to manufacture new products.

TYPES OF NON-FERROUS METALS Aluminium Zinc Copper Lead Tin Nickel

Non-Ferrous Metals Chooser Chart

NameCompositionPropertiesUses

AluminiumPure MetalGreyish-White, soft, malleable, conductive to heat and electricity, It is corrosion resistant. It can be welded but this is difficult. Needs special processes.Aircraft, boats, window frames, saucepans, packaging and insulation, pistons and cranks.

CopperPure metalRed, tough, ductile, High electrical conductor, corrosion resistant, Can work hard or cold. Needs frequent annealing.Electrical wire, cables and conductors, water and central heating pipes and cylinders. Printed circuit boards, roofs.

LeadPure metalThe heaviest common metal. Soft, malleable, bright and shiny when new but quickly oxidizes to a dull grey. Resistant to corrosion.Protection against X-Ray machines. Paints, roof coverings, flashings.

ZincPure metalA layer of oxide protects it from corrosion, bluish-white, easily worked.Makes brass. Coating for steel galvanized corrugated iron roofing, tanks, buckets, rust-proof paints

TinPure metalWhite and soft, corrosion resistant.Tinplate, making bronze.

ALUMINIUMAluminium (chemical symbol - Al) is the third most abundant element present in the earth's crust. It exists in a very stable combination with other materials particularly silicates and oxides. It is resistant to common atmospheric gases and a wide range of liquids. Hence, aluminium is known for its durability and high resale value. Aluminium is a unique metal; which is light weight, strong, durable, flexible, and impermeable. It is rust resistant and is 100% recyclable. Aluminium is the most widely usednon-ferrous metal.Despite being the most abundant metal on earth (in its raw state of bauxite), aluminium used to be considered a precious metal. Only once the processes of extraction and smelting were made more efficient and electricity became cheaper and more readily available did aluminium become what it is today the most extensively used non-ferrous metal in the world and the most liquid contract traded on the LME.It was first traded on LONDON METAL EXCHANGE in 1978 and according to LME, the global production of aluminium in 2011 was 44.6 million tonnes. Forecast for 2013 is 4550 million tonnes, driven by rising Chinese output. Aluminium is almost always alloyed, which markedly improves its mechanical properties, especially whentempered. For example, the commonaluminium foilsand beverage cans are alloys of 92% to 99% aluminium. The mainalloyingagents are copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, andsilicon(e.g.,duralumin) and the levels of these other metals are in the range of a few percent by weight.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES (thousands of tonnes) China18,000 Russia 4,000 Canada 2,970 United States 1,990 Australia 1,930

Some of the many uses for aluminium metal are in: Transportation (automobiles, aircraft,trucks,railway cars, marine vessels,bicycles, etc.) as sheet, tube, castings, etc. Packaging (cans, foil, frame of etc.) Construction (windows,doors,siding, building wire, etc.).[42] A wide range of household items, fromcooking utensilstobaseball bats, watches.[43] Street lighting poles, sailing shipmasts,walking poles, etc. Outer shells of consumer electronics, also cases for equipment e.g. photographic equipment,MacBook Pro's casing Electrical transmission linesfor power distribution MKM steelandAlnicomagnets Super purity aluminium (SPA, 99.980% to 99.999% Al), used in electronics andCDs. Heat sinksfor electronic appliances such astransistorsandCPUs. Substrate material ofmetal-core copper clad laminatesused in high brightnessLED lighting. Powdered aluminium is used inpaint, and inpyrotechnicssuch assolid rocketfuels andthermite. Aluminium can be reacted with hydrochloric acid or withsodium hydroxideto produce hydrogen gas. A variety of countries, includingFrance,Italy,Poland,Finland,Romania,Israel, and the formerYugoslavia, have issuedcoinsstruck in aluminium or aluminium-copper alloys. Some guitar models sport aluminium diamond plates on the surface of the instruments, usually either chrome or black.Kramer GuitarsandTravis Beanare both known for having produced guitars with necks made of aluminium, which gives the instrument a very distinct sound.

Aluminium is usually alloyed it is used as pure metal only when corrosion resistance and/or workability is more important than strength or hardness. A thin layer of aluminium can be deposited onto a flat surface byphysical vapour depositionor (very infrequently)chemical vapour depositionor other chemical means to formoptical coatingsandmirrors.In 2012, global primary aluminium production was 40.974 million metric tonnes (MMT), up from 39.930 MMT in 2011. Global primary aluminium consumption rose to 48.075 MMT in 2012, compared with 44.594 MMT in 2011.

World primary aluminum production increased in 2012 compared to the production in 2011, as a result of starting new smelters and restarting smelters that had been shut down in 2008 and early 2009.Currently, India is the fifth largest producer of aluminium in the world with an average annual production of 171,3924 MT.Major aluminium exporting countries are: Germany Russia CanadaMajor aluminium importing countries are: USA Germany China

Major aluminium producing companies in India are: Hindalco NALCO (a Government of India enterprise) BALCO Vedanta

LME ALUMINILUM CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LMEmust conform to strictspecifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms,traded and clearedcurrencies and minimum tick size.PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONQualityPrimary aluminium with impurities no greater than thechemical compositionof one of the registered designations: P1020A in the North American and International Registration Record entitled International Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Unalloyed Aluminum (revised March 2007) Al99.70 in the GB/T 1196-2008 Standard entitled Unalloyed aluminium ingots for remeltingFor warrants created up to and including 31 December 2009 primary aluminium of minimum 99.70% purity with maximum permissible iron content 0.20% and maximum permissible silicon content 0.10%.

ShapeIngots, t-bars, sows

Lot size25 tonnes

Warrant25 tonnes (with a tolerance of +/-2%)

BrandsAll aluminium deliverable against LME contracts must beof anLME-approved brand

All contracts are subject to LME rules and regulations.Law / RegulationEnglish Law, with regulation by the LME and the FinancialConduct Authority (FCA). This is a summary of the contract specifications. For full contract specification details, please refer to theLME Rulebookwhich details the complete rules and regulations of LME contracts.LME contracts may only be offered or sold to United States foreign futures and options customers by firms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or firms who are permitted to solicit and accept money from foreign futures and options customers from trading on the LME pursuant to CFTC Rule 30.10.ArbitrationIn the case of unresolved disputes, arbitration is effected via the LME arbitration procedure, and/or by other body agreed by the parties.

ZINC

Zinc (chemical symbol - Zn) is a bluish white lustrous metal. It is normally covered with a white coating on exposure to the atmosphere. Zinc is the fourth most common metal in use, after iron, aluminium and copper in terms of the metals annual production. Zinc can be recycled indefinitely, without loss of its physical or chemical properties.Zinc was first traded on LME in 1915 and world production of zinc in 2011 was 13.1 milliontonnes per annum. It is the 24th most abundant element on earth andhas been usedfor thousands of years - particularly in brass which is an alloy of copper and zinc.Early use was limited mainly to making brass objects such as weapons, ornaments, coins and mirrors.Today,the galvanisation of other metalsaccounts foraround half of world zinc consumption. Ferrous and non-ferrous metals can be protected against the elements by adding a layer of zinc either by hot dipping into molten zinc or by electroplating.Zinc's light-weight and corrosion-resistant properties meanit is often used in die-casting alloys, castings, brass products, sheeting products as well as in chemicals, medicine, paints and batteries.It is present in a wide variety of foods, and found particularly in association with protein foods.PRODUCTION OF ZINCZinc is the fourth most common metal in use, trailing only iron, aluminium, and copper with an annual production of about 12 million tonnes.The world's largest zinc producer isNyrstar, a merger of the AustralianOZ Mineralsand the BelgianUmicore.[76]About 70% of the world's zinc originates from mining, while the remaining 30% comes from recycling secondary zinc.[77]Commercially pure zinc is known as Special High Grade, often abbreviatedSHG, and is 99.995% pure.[78]Worldwide, 95% of the zinc is mined fromsulfidicore deposits, in which sphalerite ZnS is nearly always mixed with the sulfides of copper, lead and iron.[79]There are zinc mines throughout the world, with the main mining areas being China, Australia and Peru. China produced 29% of the global zinc output in 2010.[16]Zinc metal is produced usingextractive metallurgy.[80]After grinding the ore,froth flotation, which selectively separates minerals fromgangueby taking advantage of differences in theirhydrophobicity, is used to get an ore concentrate.[80]A final concentration of zinc of about 50% is reached by this process with the remainder of the concentrate being sulfur (32%), iron (13%), andSiO2(5%).Roastingconverts the zinc sulfide concentrate produced during processing to zinc oxide: 2 ZnS + 3O2 2 ZnO + 2SO2The sulfur dioxide is used for the production of sulfuric acid, which is necessary for the leaching process. If deposits of zinc carbonate, zinc silicate or zinc spinel, like theSkorpion Depositin Namibia are used for zinc production the roasting can be omitted. For further processing two basic methods are used:pyrometallurgyorelectrowinning. Pyrometallurgy processing reduces zinc oxide withcarbonorcarbon monoxideat950 C(1,740F)into the metal, which is distilled as zinc vapor.[82]The zinc vapor is collected in a condenser.[79]The below set of equations demonstrate this process:[79]2 ZnO + C 2 Zn +CO2ZnO + CO Zn +CO2 Electrowinning processing leaches zinc from the ore concentrate bysulfuric acid:[83]ZnO +H2SO4ZnSO4+H2O After this stepelectrolysisis used to produce zinc metal.[79]2ZnSO4+ 2H2O 2 Zn + 2H2SO4+O2 The sulfuric acid regenerated is recycled to the leaching step.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES (metric tonnes) China31,00,000 Peru15,09,215 Australia12,90,000 United States 7,60,000 Canada 6,98,901

USES OF ZINC roofs, gutters, down-pipes and fences on houses the bodies of the cars we drive batteries for toys, calculators, watches as well as electric powered vehicles fertilizers to help our gardens grow vitamin supplements for better health.There was a decrease of 3.5% in the global refined zinc output in 2012 over the previous year. This was mainly due to a reported 7.5% decrease in Chinas output, which offset the increase witnessed by Mexico, Peru, United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Similarly, the global refined zinc metal usage also decreased by 2.80%. This was primarily influenced by a decrease in demand from all major countries, except India and the Republic of Korea.

The major refined zinc exporting countries are: Belgium Canada the Republic of Korea

The major refined zinc importing countries are: USA Germany ChinaIn 2011, the Chinese imports of zinc contained in zinc concentrates declined by 34% to 821 KT, over the previous year. However, the nations net refined zinc metal imports increased by 68.5% to 509 KT, during the year 2011.LME ZINC CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LME must conform to strict specifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms, traded and cleared currencies and minimum tick size.PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONQualitySpecial high-grade zinc of 99.995% purity (minimum) must conform to thechemical compositionof one of the following standards: BS EN 1179:2003- 99.995% grade ISO 752:2004- ZN-1 grade ASTM B6-12 - LME grade GB/T 470-2008- Zn99.995 grade

ShapeIngots

Lot size25 tonnes


BrandsAllzinc deliverable against LME contracts must be of anLME-approved brand

All contracts are subject to LME rules and regulations.Law / RegulationEnglish Law, with regulation by the LME and the FinancialConduct Authority (FCA). This is a summary of the contract specifications. For full contract specification details, please refer to theLME Rulebookwhich details the complete rules and regulations of LME contracts.LME contracts may only be offered or sold to United States foreign futures and options customers by firms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or firms who are permitted to solicit and accept money from foreign futures and options customers from trading on the LME pursuant to CFTC Rule 30.10.ArbitrationIn the case of unresolved disputes, arbitration is effected via the LME arbitration procedure, and/or by other body agreed by the parties

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE MARKET Zinc prices in India are fixed on the basis of rates that rule in the international spot market, and Indian Rupee and US Dollar exchange rates. Economic events such as the national industrial growth, global financial crisis, recession and inflation affect metal prices. Commodity-specific events such as the construction of new production facilities or processes, new uses or the discontinuance of historical uses, unexpected mine or plant closures (natural disaster, supply disruption, accident, strike, and so forth), or industry restructuring, all affect metal prices. Trade policies set by the Government (implementation or suspension of taxes, penalties, and quotas) affect supply as they regulate (restricting or encouraging) material flow. Geopolitical events involving governments or economic paradigms and armed conflict can cause major changes. As societies develop, their demand for metal increases based on their current economic position, which could also be referred as National Economic Growth Factor.

COPPERCopper (chemical symbol - Cu) is a malleable and ductile metallic element that is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity. It is also corrosion resistant and antimicrobial. It stands at the third place after steel and aluminium, in the context of consumption. Copper is an important contributor to the national economies of mature, newly developed and developing countries. Copper is one of the most recycled of all metals. It is our ability to recycle metals over and over again that makes them a material of choice.It was first traded on LONDON METAL EXCHANGE in 1877 and according to LME, the global production of copper in 2011 was 19.8 million tonnes.Copper was one of the first metals to be mined and, with tin, was a fundamental component of the Bronze Age. It is in fact relatively easy to mine and refine and people discovered methods for extracting copper from its ores at least 7,000 years ago.Copperalso has excellent anti-microbiological properties which makes it suitable for the control of bacteria. It is also used in the chemical industries for medical and agricultural disease control.Growth in refined copper usage has been especially strong in Asia, where demand has expanded more than five-fold in less than 30 years.Sterlite Industries, Hindalco, and Hindustan Copper are three major producers of copper in India. From the status of a net importer, India is emerging as a net exporter of copper on account of a rise in the production of copper.Major refined copper exporting countries are: Chile Zambia Japan Russia Peru

Major refined copper importing countries are: China USA Germany Italy Taiwan.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES (thousands of metric tons) Chile 5,427 China 1,247 Peru 1,246 U.S. 1,136 Australia 873

Some of the many uses for aluminium metal are in: Electrical ApplicationsApproximately 65% of copper produced is used for electrical applications. Copper has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal, apart from silver or gold, leading to applications in:Power generation and transmission - generators, transformers, motors, busbars and cables provide and deliver electricity safely and efficiently to homes and businesses.Electrical equipment - providing circuitry, wiring and contacts for PCs, TVs and mobile phones. Construction25% of all the copper produced is used in buildings - for plumbing, roofing and cladding. Copper provides light, durable maintenance-free structures that are naturally good looking, long lasting and fully recyclable. Copper's naturally antimicrobial properties can be exploited in hygienic surfaces for hospitals and healthcare facilities. TransportTrains, trams, cars and lorries all need copper and transport accounts for 7% of copper usage. The high purity copper wire harness system carries the current from the battery throughout the vehicle to equipment such as lights, central locking, on-board computers and satellite navigation systems. Electric super trams in cities such as Manchester, Sheffield and Croydon, provide clean, efficient transport powered by electric motors. The overhead contact wires are either copper-silver or copper-cadmium alloys.

AntibacterialCopper has known antibacterial effects, and surfaces made with copper or its alloys can help to reduce the spread of disease.

OtherThe remaining 3% is used for coins, sculptures, musical instruments and cookware.

LME COPPER CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LME must conform to strict specifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms, traded and cleared currencies and minimum tick size.PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONQualityGrade A copper must conform to thechemical compositionof one of the following standards: BS EN 1978:1998 - Cu-CATH-1 GB/T 467-2010 - Cu-CATH-1 ASTM B115-10 - cathode Grade 1

ShapeCathodes

Lot size25 tonnes


BrandsAllcopper deliverable against LME contracts must be of anLME-approved brand

All contracts are subject to LME rules and regulationsLaw / RegulationEnglish Law, with regulation by the LME and the FinancialConduct Authority (FCA). This is a summary of the contract specifications. For full contract specification details, please refer to theLME Rulebookwhich details the complete rules and regulations of LME contracts.LME contracts may only be offered or sold to United States foreign futures and options customers by firms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or firms who are permitted to solicit and accept money from foreign futures and options customers from trading on the LME pursuant to CFTC Rule 30.10.ArbitrationIn the case of unresolved disputes, arbitration is effected via the LME arbitration procedure, and/or by other body agreed by the parties.

LEADLead (chemical symbol - Pb) is very corrosion-resistant, ductile, and malleable blue-grey metal that has been in use for at least 5,000 years. It is usually found in association with zinc, silver, as well as copper ores. It is one of the most sustainable and recyclable commodities. It can be recycled indefinitely, without loss of its physical or chemical properties. Recycled lead accounts for more than 60% of the total lead production. The lead production process consumes less energy as compared to the production of any other metal.

It was first traded on LONDON METAL EXCHANGE in 1903 and according to LME, the global production of aluminium in 2011 was 10 million tonnes.

Lead use has changed over time and batteries now account for about 80% of world consumption. Although petrol, solderingand plumbing no longer account for significant lead use, its malleable, dense and anti-corrosive properties mean lead is now often used to line tanks that store corrosive liquids and as a shield against X and gamma-ray radiation. Other uses include the manufacture of paints and pigments and other chemical compounds.

In 2012, the global lead mine production increased by 11.5%, over that of 2011. Global refined lead production increased by 0.22% from 10.594 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2011 to 10.617 MMT in 2012. The worlds refined lead consumption rose to 10.553 MMT in 2012, up from 10.418 MMT in 2011.

The leading refined lead exporting countries:- Australia Canada GermanyThe leading refined lead importing countries:- USA UK IndiaThe main producers of lead in INDIA are Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) and Indian Lead Limited (ILL).

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES (metric tons) China14,10,000 Australia 6,41,000 United States 4,44,000 Peru 3,29,154 Mexico 1,20,000

USES OF LEAD BatteryThe principal consumption of Lead is for the Lead-Acid storage battery in which grid or plate is made of Lead or Lead with other metal more commonly with antimony. Rolled ExtrusionLead Sheet is used in the building industry for flashings or weathering to prevent water penetration & for roofing and cladding. By virtue of its resistance to chemical corrosion, Lead Sheet also finds use for the lining of chemical treatment baths, acid plants and storage vessels. The high density of Lead Sheet makes it a very effective material for sound insulation purpose. Lead clad steel has also found use in radiation shielding.Lead pipes due to its corrosion resistant properties are used for carriage of corrosive chemicals at chemical plants. Also Lead pipe of appropriate composition is still extruded for cutting into short length 'sleeves' for use in the jointing of Lead sheathed cables. PigmentsUsed extensively in paints, although recently the use of Lead in paints has been drastically curtailed to eliminate or reduce health hazards. White Lead, 2PbCO3 Pb(OH)2, is the most extensively used Lead pigment. Other Lead pigments of importance are basic Lead sulfate and Lead chromates. Cable SheathingBecause of its high ductility, good extrusion ability, relatively low temperature & excellent proven corrosion resistance when in contact with a wide range of industrial and marine environments, soils and chemicals, Lead Alloys are used extensively as sheathing materials for high voltage power cables. AmmunitionUse of ammunition with Lead Bullets, which are commonly used in sport shooting with small armsLME LEAD CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LME must conform to strict specifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms, traded and cleared currencies and minimum tick size.PHISICAL SPECIFICATIONQualityLead of 99.97% purity (minimum) must conform to thechemical compositionone of the following standards: BS EN 12659:1999 - Permitted grades: material numbers PB970R, PB985R and PB990R GB/T 469/2005 -Permitted grades: 99.970%, 99.985%, 99.990% and 99.994% ASTM B29-03 (2009) -Permitted grades: 99.97% and 99.995%

ShapeIngots

Lot size25 tonnes

Warrant25 tonnes (2% either more or less)

BrandsAlllead deliverable against LME contracts must be of anLME-approved brand

All contracts are subject to LME rules and regulations.Law / RegulationEnglish Law, with regulation by the LME and the FinancialConduct Authority (FCA). This is a summary of the contract specifications. For full contract specification details, please refer to theLME Rulebookwhich details the complete rules and regulations of LME contracts.LME contracts may only be offered or sold to United States foreign futures and options customers by firms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), or firms who are permitted to solicit and accept money from foreign futures and options customers from trading on the LME pursuant to CFTC Rule 30.10.ArbitrationIn the case of unresolved disputes, arbitration is effected via the LME arbitration procedure, and/or by other body agreed by the parties

TINCassiterite (SnO2) is the most important mineral ore of tin. Tin is an important commodity in international trade and is used in hundreds of industrial processes throughout the world. Utilization is in many industries such as food packaging, culinary equipment, electronics, tin chemicals, plumbing solders, engineering alloys, pewter and bronze in music and the arts, dental amalgams, anti corrosion and engineering coatings, wine capsules and fire retardants. Tin readily forms alloy with other metals and imparts hardness and strength. Tin is an important component of solders, since it wets the base metal by alloying with it.

The industrial application of tin is in the following sectors: Solders - 32 %, Tin Plate - 27 %, Others - 17 %, Alloys - 14 %, P C Stabilizers - 6%, Tinning - 4%.

It was first traded on LONDON METAL EXCHANGE in 1877 and according to LME, the global production of aluminium in 2011 was 3,83,500 tonnes.

Tin, like copper, was one of the first metals mined and its many qualities such as its shiny finish made it a highly sought after commodity. Today, its main uses include the production of solder and the tin plating of iron and steel products which provides an attractive finish. Tin is also used in the production of bronze, pewter and die-casting alloys and in modern engineering to make tungsten more machineable.

Japan is estimated to be the largest consumer of tin in the world. The other major consumers are China and USA.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES (metric tons) China 80,000 - 1,00,000 Indonesia54,000 - 90,000 Peru50,000 - 70,000 Bolivia12,000 - 15,000 Brazil12,000 - 14,000

USES OF TINTin has many uses. Electro-plating is an important application of tin. It can be done through the electroplating of a small coat of tin around objects of steel, copper, aluminiumetc. The tinned pieces have countless applications such as in kitchen utensils, spray recipients and shaving foam, ink cans, electronic components, integrated circuits, clips, pins and many other. Tinned objects can also be used with ornamental purposes. As a pure metal,. It can still be used in storage tanks for pharmaceutical chemical solutions, in capacitors electrodes, fuse-wires, ammunitions, tinned iron sheets to protect victuals, sweets or tobacco etc. Some of the tin organic compounds have several application as fungicides and insecticides for the agriculture and still as wood, textile and paper preservers.Alloys of tin are also important, such as soft solder, pewter, bronze and phosphor bronze. The most important tin salt used is tin (II) chloride which is used as a reducing agent and as a mordant. Tin salts sprayed onto glass are used to produce electrically conductive coatings. Most window glass is made by floating molten glass on molten tin to produce a flat surface. Recently, a tin-niobium alloy that is superconductive at very low temperatures has attracted interest.The more important tin compound is the tin dioxide (SnO2), used in electric resistors and dielectrics, and the tin monoxide that it is used in the production of tin salts for electroplating and as chemical reagents. The tin compounds that contain lead, barium, calcium and copper are indispensable in the production of electric capacitors. The tin fluoride is used as addictive in toothpastes.

LME TIN CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LME must conform to strict specifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms, traded and cleared currencies and minimum tick size.PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONQualityTin of 99.85% purity (minimum) conforming to BS EN 610:1996

ShapeIngots

Lot size5 tonnes


BrandsAlltin deliverable against LME contracts must be of anLME-approved brand


NICKELNickel is a metal with a bright future as it is the main alloying metal needed in the production of certain types of stainless steel.The strength and life span of products manufactured using stainless steel are superior to the ones produced using non-stainless steels.It was first traded on LONDON METAL EXCHANGE in 1979 and according to LME, the global production of aluminium in 2011 was 1.66 million tonnes.As an alloying metal, the uses of nickel are extraordinarily diverse. Its high melting point and resistance to corrosion have contributed greatly to the wide use of the metal. Early in the 20th century, it was discovered that by combining nickel with steel, even in small quantities, the durability, resistance to corrosion and strength of the steel increased significantly. This partnership has endured and the steel industry is now the single largest consumer of nickel today, using the metal in the production of stainless steel.

Major nickel exporting countries are: Russia Canada NorwayMajor nickel importing countries are: China USA GermanyThe annual demand for nickel in India is around 40,000 MT and its market in India is totally dependent on imports.

TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES Russia Canada Australia Indonesia Philippines

USES OF NICKELNickel metal is used to provide hard-wearing decorative and engineering coatings as 'nickel-plating' or 'electroless nickel coating' or 'electroforming'. When used with a top layer of chromium, it is popularly known as 'chrome-plating'. When done in combination with silicon carbide it is known as composite plating.Nickel is a key part of several rechargeable battery systems used in electronics, power tools, transport and emergency power supply. Most important today are nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).Nickel is a key ingredient in many catalysts used to make chemical reactions more efficient.Nickel use is growing at about 4% each year while use of nickel-containing stainless steel is growing at about 6%. The fastest growth today is seen in the newly and rapidly industrializing countries, especially in Asia. Nickel-containing materials are needed to modernize infrastructure, for industry and to meet the material aspirations of their populations.

LME NICKEL CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONEvery metal traded on the LME must conform to strict specifications regarding quality, lot size and shape.Each LME tradeable contract is likewise governed by rules covering (but not limited to) prompt dates, settlement terms, traded and cleared currencies and minimum tick size.PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONQualityNickel of 99.80% purity (minimum) conforming to B39-79 (2013)

ShapeCathodes (full plate andcut), pellets, briquettes

Lot size6tonnes

Warrant6tonnes (with a tolerance of +/-2%)

BrandsAllnickel deliverable against LME contracts must be of anLME-approved brand


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