SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to discontinue 52%-Fe Iron Ore Assessment

Following a period of industry feedback, Platts will be discontinuing publication of the daily 52%-Fe Iron Ore price assessment (IODSC00), effective July 1, 2016.

The liquidity of circa 52% Fe fines cargoes in the spot market has become scant, with such low-grade material no longer being transacted into China on a spot basis. This follows from a three-year mining ban on west coast Indian suppliers who used to be the primary source of such material, and even with the resumption of exports from that region this year, circa 52% Fe fines material is not representative of what is currently being produced and traded.

Platts intends to continue to publish this assessment until June 30, 2016, the last date this assessment will be published. Platts recognizes that the assessment may have some residual use in contract negotiation, settlement and/or royalty payments and therefore extends a period of market consultation and feedback until May 16, 2016, before a final decision is made.

Any further questions of feedback should be directed to iodex@platts.com and pricegroup@platts.com. For written comments, please provide a 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.