Mining Operations:
The
sourcing of minerals begins with the
extraction of ores from the earth.
Mining methods vary based on the
type of mineral. Open-pit mining,
underground mining, and placer
mining are the most common methods
used to obtain copper, iron ore,
lithium, and other valuable
minerals.
Ore Processing:
Once the ore
is extracted, it is processed to
separate the mineral from
surrounding rock. This includes
crushing, grinding, and using
chemical processes such as
flotation, smelting, or leaching to
extract valuable metals or minerals.
Supplier Networks:
Mineral
suppliers may be mining companies
that own large-scale operations or
smaller companies involved in local
mining. These suppliers can provide
minerals directly to manufacturers,
traders, or processing plants.
Transportation Methods:
Mineral products are transported
primarily by bulk carriers, rail, or
truck. Large quantities of ores and
metals are shipped across the globe
via bulk freighters, which are
designed to carry large volumes of
raw materials.
Shipping Hubs:
Mineral
shipments often pass through major
ports and hubs located in mining
regions, such as those in Australia
(for iron ore), Chile (for copper),
and various African countries (for
cobalt and lithium). From there,
minerals are shipped worldwide to
smelters, refineries, or
manufacturing centers.
Rail and Trucking:
For
domestic transport or shorter
distances, minerals are often moved
by rail or truck to ports or
processing facilities. Long-distance
rail routes are frequently used in
countries like Canada, the U.S., and
Russia to transport minerals to
shipping points.
Mining Site Stockpiles:
Ores
and processed minerals are typically
stored in stockpiles near mining
sites before being transported to
the next stage. These stockpiles are
kept covered to protect the material
from the elements and minimize
contamination.
Warehouses and Silos:
Upon
reaching processing facilities or
distribution hubs, minerals may be
stored in large warehouses or silos.
These storage facilities keep the
materials secure and allow for easy
blending or refining when needed.
Smelter Storage:
Once
minerals are processed into metals
(like copper), they may be stored in
specialized smelter facilities. Raw
metals are often kept in secure
storage until they are shipped to
manufacturers or customers.
Distribution to
Manufacturers:
Processed
metals or minerals are typically
delivered to manufacturers or
industrial customers, where they are
used in the production of goods such
as electronics, construction
materials, and automotive parts.
Final Consumer
Products:
Minerals like
lithium or copper may be processed
into final products such as
batteries, electronics, or building
materials, which are then delivered
to the global market via retail
channels or direct contracts with
large industrial users.