Copper ore consists of naturally occurring rock and minerals containing enough copper to justify extraction and processing. Deposits vary considerably in richness and appearance, with some displaying distinctive green, blue, reddish, or metallic coloration. Once mined, the ore is sorted and transported to smelters where the copper is separated from surrounding material and prepared for further use.
Copper ore is delivered primarily to smelters and metalworks for processing into copper stock. The resulting metal supplies coppersmiths, foundries, coiners, armorers, artisans, and other manufacturers, and also serves as a fundamental ingredient in the production of bronze and brass.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | Metals & Ores | Common | 0 | 0.019 gp/lb | 0.025 gp per lb. | 0.05 gp per lb. | 0.075 gp per lb. | 1 lb. (pricing unit) |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Trade Good
Production Method: Mining
Production Facility: Mine
Copper ore is produced in established mining regions throughout Faerûn, but its weight makes long-distance transport increasingly expensive. Most ore is sold to smelters located within or near the mining district, where it is refined into copper stock before entering wider trade networks.
Export Locations: Mountains of Copper, Fireshear
Premium Markets:
Exotic Markets:
Exotic Market Notes
Copper ore is rarely shipped to distant markets in significant quantities. Although more valuable by weight than iron ore, merchants generally find it more profitable to transport refined copper stock rather than pay freight on unprocessed ore and waste material.
Common Buyers: Smelters, metalworks, foundries, mining companies
Common Producers: Mining companies, dwarven mining clans, independent prospectors, noble-owned mines, chartered mining concerns
Profit Potential: Low
Copper ore requires little specialized storage and may be kept in piles, bins, carts, sacks, or covered yards. Keeping the ore reasonably dry reduces excess transport weight and makes sorting and handling easier.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Copper ore is primarily a short-distance industrial commodity rather than a conventional merchant cargo. Most production moves from mines directly to nearby smelters, where the valuable copper is separated from unwanted rock and prepared for wider trade. Long-distance transport of ordinary copper ore is rarely profitable unless unusually rich deposits, local shortages, or exceptionally inexpensive transportation justify the expense.
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
0 - Open |
This item may be freely bought, sold, transported, and stored without special permits or registration. Open Trade goods form the foundation of everyday commerce and are rarely subject to inspection beyond normal taxation. |
1 - Registered |
This item is legal to trade but may be subject to routine taxation, record-keeping, or inspection when transported in commercial quantities. Merchants conducting regular business in these goods are often expected to maintain a recognized trade registration. |
2 - Controlled |
This item is considered hazardous, specialized, or otherwise regulated. Merchants may be required to obtain a trade license, maintain records of sale, or submit shipments for inspection. Bulk transport is often monitored by guilds, city authorities, or trade officials. |
3 - Restricted |
This item possesses significant economic, strategic, or industrial value. Trade is limited to approved merchants, guild members, chartered companies, or licensed organizations. Unauthorized possession or transport may result in confiscation, fines, or suspension of trade privileges. |
4 - Chartered |
This item is subject to monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, state control, or powerful guild charters. Production, transport, and sale are closely regulated. Access is typically restricted to organizations operating under special contracts, noble grants, or government authorization. |
5 - Prohibited |
This item is illegal to produce, possess, transport, or sell within most jurisdictions. Exceptions are rare and generally require direct authorization from ruling authorities. Violations often carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, asset seizure, exile, or execution. |