2602.00.00 - Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and concentrates with a manganese content of 20 percent or more, calculated on the dry weight

This HTS category, 2602.00.00, specifically addresses manganese ores and concentrates. It encompasses both pure manganese ores and "ferruginous" manganese ores (those containing significant iron) provided the manganese content, calculated on a dry weight basis, meets or exceeds 20 percent. This classification is crucial for accurately identifying and valuing raw materials essential for various industrial processes, particularly in steel production and battery manufacturing.

Unlike sibling categories that might deal with other metalliferous ores or mineral products within Section V, 2602.00.00 is precisely defined by its manganese content. For instance, it would not cover iron ores (Chapter 2601) or other base metal ores. The defining characteristic is the presence and proportion of manganese, distinguishing it from materials where manganese is a minor constituent or absent altogether.

Within this category, further subdivisions exist to refine classification based on the precise manganese content by weight. Subcategories 2602.00.00.40 and 2602.00.00.60 differentiate between ores containing less than 47 percent manganese and those containing 47 percent or more. This distinction is vital for duty assessment and statistical reporting, reflecting the varying commercial value and industrial applications of these different grades of manganese ore.