Lead ore is a dense mineral-bearing rock mined primarily for the soft, heavy metal contained within it. Much of Faerûn’s lead is extracted from galena, a dark metallic mineral that can also contain recoverable quantities of silver. After extraction and sorting, the ore is normally transported to nearby smelters rather than shipped long distances in its raw state.
Lead ore is supplied primarily to smelters and metalworks for processing into refined lead stock. The resulting metal is used in construction, glazing, weights, seals, ammunition, protective barriers, and numerous manufactured goods requiring a dense, easily worked metal.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | Raw Ores & Minerals | Common | 0 | 0.014 gp per lb. | 0.0175 gp per lb. | 0.035 gp per lb. | 0.05 gp per lb. | 1 lb. (pricing unit) |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Trade Good
Production Method: Mining
Production Facility: Mine
Lead ore is relatively abundant across Faerûn and is commonly extracted as galena from established mining districts. Its widespread industrial uses create steady demand, but its considerable weight and modest value encourage processing near the source rather than long-distance shipment of raw ore. Productive deposits support both small local mines and substantial regional operations.
Export Locations: Galena Mountains, Evermoors, Auvandell
Premium Markets:
Exotic Markets:
Exotic Market Notes
Lead ore is rarely transported over long distances because its weight quickly consumes the value of the cargo. Most ore is sold to nearby smelters and refined into lead stock before entering regional trade. Distant markets therefore import processed lead rather than raw galena except during unusual shortages or under specialized contracts.
Common Buyers: Smelters, metalworks, foundries, mining companies
Common Producers: Mining companies, dwarven mining clans, independent prospectors, chartered mining concerns, frontier mining settlements
Profit Potential: Low
Lead ore requires little specialized storage and may be kept in covered piles, bins, carts, sacks, or ore yards. Keeping shipments dry reduces unnecessary transport weight and simplifies sorting and processing.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Lead ore is primarily a regional industrial commodity, moving from mines to nearby smelters rather than through long-distance merchant networks. Its widespread deposits and considerable weight keep margins modest, although ores containing recoverable silver can be considerably more valuable. Refined lead stock is far better suited to wider trade and supplies construction, glazing, metalworking, weights, ammunition, and numerous specialized crafts.
| 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. |