DKC::Mineral Commodities Services

1-Mineral Commodities and Fertilizers

Are definedas per the list bellow of minerals Raw Materials, Semi-Manufactured Metals, Refined Metals, Recycled Commodities and Fertilizers.

-Steel Industry Ores

-Energy Minerals or Materials

-Fertilizers

-Non-Ferrous Metallic Ores and Concentrates

-Industrial Non-Metallic and Products

The above list cannot be considered totally comprehensive.

2-Definitions

Qualitative Inspections; encompass inspections; with regard to the quality of the commodity and the means of transport and implies observation during

handling of a commodity or a commodity in stock.Handling is the loading or unloading of a commodity in port, terminal, mine, open/closed storage

areas or warehouse.Means of transport include all possible means i.e. Conveyor belt, rail/buckets, etc…

These inspections exclude weighing, sampling, testing and reporting.

Weighing:

Covers actual determination of the weight by DKC or witnessing by DKC on the weighing operations executed by other parties. It applies to weighing

systems for determining, indicating or printing weight and includes calibration of scales against standard weights. Draft surveys or Ullage Surveys of

ships are included in this group service.

Sampling:

Covers actual sampling by DKC or witnessing of the sampling executed by other parties. Sampling can be performed manually or utilizing mechanical

sampling installations automated to different extends. The object of sampling is to obtain a representative quantity from all or part of a consignment as

required. The final prepared samples should be suitable for analysis.

Testing:

Is intended to validate various parameters with regard to the original commodity.Testing may be either chemical or physical in nature and may include

further sample preparation. Tests are normally conducted on samples that have been produced as a result of a quantitative inspection or sampling

exercise.

Reporting:

Is to relate the facts, events and figures observed by DKC at intervals before, during and after the inspection as detailed in the mandate. The reports

must enable the principal to identify without ambiguity the consignment to which the document refers. It also will differentiate between inspections,

sampling, weighing, moisture determination (where applicable) and testing.

3-Methods, Procedures and Standards

Methods or standards most frequently referred to in the mineral field are those based on the following standard organizations: ISO,National

Standards,and EN.DKC will perform inspections according to the procedures, methods,rules and regulations of such associations when so requested by

the principal in their instructions.DKC will have due regard to the guidelines of the introduction part II when executing the instructions of the principal

in the performance of standard and special services during inspection of mineral commodities.

4-Inspection Nomination

DKC must have a clear mandate given by the principal.

A nomination must be received for:

-Visual Inspection

-Sampling,Sample Prepration and Samples

-Weighing or Weight Ascertainment

-Testing/ Analysis

-Packing Inspections

-Sealing of Trucks, Containers , Storage Areas

5-Visual Inspections

DKC may receive nomination for visual inspections only or for attendance during services such as sampling which includes visual inspection. This may

depend on the nature of the commodity, custom of the port, stipulations in a contract.Visual inspections will take place either during handling of the

commodity or in state situation.

DKC will check existing stocks on an information basis only.

Visual inspections may comprise:

-Visual condition of commodity

-Handling facilities like storage , loading and unloading facilities inspection

-Means of transport, warehousing and stowage to judge their suitability.

-Weather conditions

-Irregularities

Advice or recommendations on the compatibility of previous cargoes are not duties of DKC who shall not assess or certify the fitness of a receptacle to

contain or carry the commodity except with regards to the fact that the receptacles re visually clean.DKC’s responsibility for visual inspection is strictly

limited to a determination that the designated cargo holds as seen by naked eye from reasonably accessible and safe vantage appears to be clean.Where

inspections call for examination of vessel’s logbook, certificates or documents, DKC shall state whether it has sighted the mentioned items in question

and whether it was presented in a language intelligible to DKC inspector.Any reproduction made from the above-mentioned items shall be made

without responsibility of DKC and shall be for information purpose only.

If requested by the principal, DKC shall transmit the principal’s instructions to the terminal, operator or carrier. Such instructions will have been

previously stipulated in the contract. DKC will transmit such instructions of received in good time but shall not be responsible for the accuracy,

applicability or execution of such instructions.If requested by principal, DKC shall seek evidence of the execution of such instructions from the carrier

upon arrival.In case of problems or irregularities, DKC inspector will inform the principal and seek his instruction when feasible to do so.

When DKC is requested to observe a loading, discharge, transport, handling or other such operations, DKC shall provide a reasonable presence during

the procedure and shall observe and watch over the proceedings reporting to the principal as may be reasonably necessary. If a proper visual inspection

was not possible due to adverse circumstances, this must be reported.

6-Weighing or Weight Ascertainment

When DKC is requested to report on quantity determinations, it shall attend the weight ascertainment, check relevant documentation and use its best

endeavors to ensure the functioning and accuracy of the apparatus.The choice of the method used in the weight ascertainment shall be specified in the

instructions remitted by the principal and the method shall be in accordance with local usage or custom.Depending on the commodity , method used

and the principal’s instructions , DKC may be required to note wet and dry weights, gross and net weights , initial , intermediate and final readings,

moisture contents , etc. advised by a third party.

Such information shall be passed on but without responsibility of DKC.Normally the following information of a weight ascertainment should be

recorded:

Place of weighing, dates of weighing, weighing system and weather/when it was last inspected /calibrated, conditions of weighing, if applicable

packaging, marks and any irregularities.The weight should be the net wet weight of the specified commodity, free of contamination.If contaminants are

present and can be separated (economically) this weight will be recorded if possible.If separation is impossible and estimate of such contamination must

be reported.If the material is in packaged form, separate types of packages must be weighed and reported separately.In case of draft surveys, DKC

inspector should be allowed free access to the ship including tanks, deadweight records as well as structural and hydrostatic charts.DKC accepts no

responsibility for the ship’s condition and suitability of the ship for draft surveys.In case of any discrepancies and/ or abnormalities and /or limitations in

the course of fulfilling DKC inspector’s duties, appropriate letters and statements shall be issued and reported to the principal.Tallying, where

authorized by local rules and customs, shall be effected without checking the contents of the packages.In case weighing is done in conjunction with

other personnel, each recorded weight and totals are to be checked and agreed by the parties before leaving the premises.Reports should contain any

comments having a bearing on the weight ascertainment of the commodity or the witnessing thereof.

7-Sampling, Sample Preparation and Samples

The instructions given by the principal shall state the purpose for which the sample is being drawn, such as determination of quality, condition,

contamination, specific gravity, density, etc. The method and means of drawing the sample shall likewise be specified in the instructions, or when

applicable, by local regulations.Generally, sampling will take place during handling of the commodity. Where this is not possible, stockpile-sampling

techniques can be used but such techniques will not produce a representative sample.In case of mechanical sampling of bulk materials, DKC shall

check relevant documentation of the apparatus (e.g. bias tests) and shall check visually that it is in apparent good working order.ISO procedures should

be applied where feasible in the circumstances, however local practice which is similar to ISO procedures will be acceptable.Mechanical sampling

followed by manual manipulation of the increments is also acceptable providing that the manual aspect is conducted to ISO standard or a local practice

similar to ISO standard.For manual sampling ISO procedures should be applied.Local practices which are similar to ISO procedures or conducive to

good and proper sampling may be applied.Bagged or drummed materials required specialized procedures and in many cases, there are recognized

methods depending on the commodity. DKC inspector has discretion to decide the actual procedure to be adopted.The bulk sample should be reduced

in weight and particle size to maintain original quality parameter according to ISO standards to produce a final sample of assay particle size.This stage of

the process should take place at the location of bulk sampling though may be carried out at the premises of DKC by prior arrangement with parties

concerned.Moisture sampling should be performed at the same time as weighing.Sampling and determination of moisture should follow ISO standards

wherever possible.Distribution and conservation of samples shall likewise be determined by the instructions or by relevant trade custom or practice.

The receptacle of the sample should be such that if protects the contents against external elements yet does not react with the contents.

Samples shall be labeled so as to give the particulars of who drew sample, where and when the sample was drawn as well as the purpose of the sample.

Samples shall be sealed so as to prevent any access to the sample unless such access is obtained by breaking or removing the seals. Where sampling is to

be done jointly, the sealing of the samples must bear the seals of all interested parties.

8-Testing/Analysis

In case that testing and analysis services are required, DKC shall take due care to ensure that samples are delivered in sound condition to a third party

laboratory.DKC shall use laboratories that preferably have been accredited by a national or international accreditation body.

DKC shall not be responsible for the analysis results.In case that a field test is required such as density readings, ambient temperature readings or

chloride detection by silver nitrate and etc…, DKC shall conduct the test by professional inspector, chemists and shall take due care to ensure that all

equipment and apparatus are calibrated and in working condition and that all health and safety regulations are respected.

9-Packing Inspections

When called upon to inspect packing, DKC shall visually inspect the goods and will report on the condition and markings of the packing, but will not

advise on the suitability thereof.

10-Sealing of Tanks, Containers, Storage areas

Where DKC is called upon to seal the tanks, containers, receptacles, storage areas, etc.Such sealing shall be considered as proof of attendance.Such sealing, however, shall

not be considered a proof of inviolability, etc, remain under the control and constant supervision of DKC.

11-Mineral Commodities Related Marine/Cargo Damage & Condition Inspections

Minerals, raw materials, semi-manufactured metals, refined metals, recycled commodities and fertilizers are subject to and exposed to quality or

quantity damages.Regarding means of transport and handling, the mentioned commodities not only may sustain damage but also may be cause of

physical or chemical damage to its container/transporter (i.e. vessel, container, railcar or road trucks and trailers).Problems, irregularities or damages

may occur in carrier, port, terminal, open/closed storage areas, warehouses or mine.In case of problems, irregularities, marine damages or condition

inspections related to such commodities, DKC must have a clear mandate given by the principal.

A nomination must be received from the principal exactly verifying the required services.

DKC shall use all its knowledge and expertise to examine or observe commodities, products, services, procedures or operations in order to provide

information on the nature and cause of the problem, irregularity, damage or condition to the principal and/or the principal's designees.In addition,

determination on the extent shall be provided by required professional means.

The methods, procedures and standards to be applied on inspection shall be those agreed upon between the principal and DKC, , provided such

instructions are considered appropriate on technical and financial grounds by DKC at the time and place of performance.

12-Reporting

DKC report shall differentiate between:

- Visual Inspection

- Weighing

- Sampling

- Testing/Analysis

- Packing Inspections

- Sealing

- Damage /Condition Inspections

In case of problems or irregularities during the inspection DKC will inform the principal as soon as practical and seek its instructions.All reports shall

enable the recipient to identify without ambiguity the cargo to which the document refer.For visual inspections DKC report shall clearly, state the

relevant items.

DKC report shall contain the details of weighing as relevant,

- Advised wet and dry weights

- Methods of weighing wet

- If done in increments by road or rail wagons a copy of all weighing , gross and net, should be available but not necessarily be included as part of the

weighing and sampling report.

- The units of weight, i.e.short tons,long tons or metric,should be clearly and obviously listed

- For draft surveys,initial, final and intermediate,if any,draft readings should be specified together with facts about weather conditions,swell,state of ship

and tables.

- DKC report shall specify details of sampling as relevant

- Prevailing conditions and how the bulk sample is taken

- How the bulk is stored prior to reduction and handling

- The processes used in weight and size reduction of the sample

- The final procedures used to contain ( i.e packet ) the final assay sample

- Adequate detail to identify the sample and the identification of the seals on the packets.

- Weight taken for moisture should take into account particle size

- All moistures should be carried out in duplicate; normally the average only is to be reported.

For packing inspections and sealing of tanks,containers,receptacles,storage areas DKC report should record the condition and the markings of the

packing,the identification and number of workings of the packing, the identification and number of the seals together with the condition and suitability

for sealing of the tanks,containers,storage area.Under normal circumstances, DKC report shall contain a statement of fact (Time Log), witnessed or

determined by DKC.In special situations, the report may contain a statement of opinion, this should be clearly indicated.If sub-contacting did take

place, this should be clearly indicated.