Mandatory application of the iron ore fines schedule as per the IMSBC Code requirements: applies only to iron ore cargoes containing BOTH: (a) 10% or more of fine particles less than 1 mm (D10 ≤ 1 mm) ; and (b) 50% or more of particles less than 10 mm ( D50≤ 10 mm). However, if the total goethite content is 35% or more by mass, iron ore fines may be carried in accordance with the provisions under the schedule for " Iron Ore", provided that a declaration from the shipper of the goethite content of the cargo, which has been determined according to internationally or nationally accepted standard procedures is provided to the master.
Description: Iron ore fines come from the natural raw iron ore through the process of mining, crushing and screening, where the iron ore is separated into lumps and fines. Iron ore is done in this fashion so that it can be used for the iron/steel making industry. When the iron content in the processed iron ore contains more than 60%, which would generally be the lumps, they are shipped directly to the plants. Iron ore fines are considered less desirable as they need to be sintered first (so as to not to smother the air flow in the blast furnace) before they can be utilised for the blast furnaces. According to industry standards, the size of iron ore lumps lies in the range of 6.3 mm to 31.5 mm and iron ore fines are less than 6.3 mm. IMSBC Code information: Iron ore fines contain hematite, goethite and magnetite with varying iron content. It has colour from dark grey, rusty red to yellow. Has bulk density range: 1,500 - 3,500 kg/m3. Please note that IRON CONCENTRATE is a different cargo and should be referred to under the generic schedule of " Mineral Concentrates".
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