Sphalerite is the world's main source of zinc, and in Nigeria it comes out of the same Benue Trough veins as galena. It ranges from honey brown to near black depending on iron content, and that iron content is exactly what determines whether a smelter pays a premium or applies a penalty.
Sphalerite
Zinc Sulphide (ZnS)
Graded on Zinc, Penalised on Iron
A sphalerite parcel is only worth what its assay says. We report zinc, iron and cadmium up front so a buyer prices the material accurately and there are no arguments at the weighbridge.
Full Assay Disclosure
Zinc, iron and cadmium are all reported. Hiding a penalty element only costs more at settlement.
Co-recovery with Galena
Where sphalerite and galena occur together we separate rather than blend, so each is paid on its own merit.
Consistent Sizing
Material is crushed and screened to an agreed size range so downstream processing is predictable.