2601.12.00 - Agglomerated

This HTS category, 2601.12.00, specifically covers iron ores and concentrates that have undergone an agglomeration process. Agglomeration involves consolidating fine iron-bearing materials into larger, more manageable lumps or pellets. This transformation is crucial for improving handling, reducing dust, and enhancing the efficiency of smelting operations in blast furnaces. The defining characteristic of this group is the physical alteration of the raw ore into a more concentrated and usable form through methods like pelletizing or briquetting.

This classification distinguishes itself from its sibling category, 2601.11.00 (Non-agglomerated), by the very fact of agglomeration. While 2601.11.00 pertains to raw, unprocessed iron ores and concentrates in their natural fine state, 2601.12.00 applies to those that have been intentionally processed to create larger particles for industrial use. The parent category, 2601 (Iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites), broadly encompasses all forms of iron ore, with this specific subheading narrowing the scope to the agglomerated varieties.

Within this agglomerated iron ore category, further distinctions are made to account for different agglomeration methods. Subcategories such as 2601.12.00.30 (Pellets) and 2601.12.00.60 (Briquettes) denote specific forms created through pelletizing and briquetting processes, respectively. These distinct forms offer unique handling and metallurgical properties. The residual subcategory, 2601.12.00.90 (Other), captures any other agglomerated iron ore forms that do not fit into the more specific pellet or briquette classifications.