DSO VS CONCENTRATE CALCULATOR
Should you ship Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) or build a processing plant and sell concentrate? This calculator runs both options side by side so you can compare netback per tonne of ore.
When DSO wins
DSO wins when grade is naturally high enough that beneficiation adds little upgrade, or when capital for a plant isn't available. Typical: high-grade lump iron ore (≥58 % Fe), high-grade malachite copper (≥10 % Cu).
When concentrate wins
Concentrate wins when upgrade ratio is high (>3×) and freight is a big share of revenue. The plant capex pays back through lower freight per payable tonne.
Worked example
10,000 t ore at 4 % Cu: DSO at $250/t = $2.50m revenue. Concentrate route → 1,400 t conc at 27 % Cu → $2.18m net after smelter. DSO wins here by $320k before plant capex.
Frequently asked questions
What is DSO?
Direct Shipping Ore — ore sold without beneficiation, priced on contained metal at a discount to LME.