Platts proposes to amend low end of Iron Ore Silica Differential band

S&P Global Platts proposes to amend the range of its lower Iron Ore Silica Differential per 1% band, to within 3%-4.5% of silica from less than 4.5% of silica, effective March 16, 2020.

Platts silica differentials are reflective of the value for 1% silica within the specific range stated above, for 60%-63.5% Fe iron ore fines. The adjustment is proposed in response to a lack of medium grade fines with less than 3% silica in the market, and adds clarity to our lowest silica differential band. With the fact that no iron ore fines with 60%-63.5% Fe content are observed containing silica lower than 3%, the proposed change will not affect Platts iron ore assessments.

The silica differential per 1% assessment appears in SBB Steel Markets Daily, and Platts Metals Alert on fixed page 1105 and in the Platts price database under the following codes:

The silica range for iron ore silica differential per 1% with 4.5%-6.5% (IOPPS10) and iron ore silica differential per 1% with 6.5%-9% (IOPPS20) will remain unchanged.

Market participants are welcome to provide feedback on this proposal and on any other aspect of Platts methodology in the assessment of silica differentials.

Please send all comments, feedback and questions to IODEX@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by February 14, 2020.

For written comments, please provide clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.