Tin ore is a mineral-bearing rock mined for the tin contained within it, most commonly occurring as cassiterite. Though less visually impressive than precious ores, dependable tin deposits are commercially important because the refined metal is essential to bronze production. Once extracted and sorted, the ore normally travels only a short distance to nearby smelters for processing.
Tin ore is delivered primarily to smelters and metalworks, where it is processed into refined tin stock. That metal is then traded to foundries, smiths, and manufacturers, most notably for combining with copper to produce bronze.
| Type | Trade Category | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metals | Metals & Ores | Uncommon | 0 | 0.0375 gp per lb. | 0.050 gp per lb. | 0.10 gp per lb. | 0.15 gp per lb. | 1 lb. (pricing unit) |
Production Stage: Raw Resource
Item Roles: Trade Good
Production Method: Mining
Production Facility: Mine
Tin ore is considerably less common than iron or copper and tends to occur in localized deposits capable of supporting specialized mining communities. Productive tin mines are valuable regional assets, particularly where copperworking and bronze production create steady demand. Along the Sword Coast, significant local deposits are uncommon, making refined tin an important imported metal.
Export Locations: Rimmator (Great Rift), Hagga Shan Mountains (Sossal), Tenmei, Tanekashima
Premium Markets:
Exotic Markets:
Exotic Market Notes
Tin ore is rarely transported over great distances. Its weight and relatively low concentration make it more economical to smelt near the mining region and transport refined tin stock to distant markets. Regions lacking domestic tin deposits therefore tend to import processed metal rather than raw ore.
Common Buyers: Smelters, metalworks, foundries, mining companies
Common Producers: Dwarven mining clans, mining companies, independent prospectors, chartered mining concerns
Profit Potential: Low
Tin ore requires little specialized storage and may be kept in covered piles, bins, carts, sacks, or ore yards. Keeping shipments reasonably dry reduces unnecessary transport weight and makes sorting and processing easier.
Transport Risks: Low
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Rare
Smuggling Appeal: Low
Regulation Level: Low
Tin ore is valuable primarily to industries located near productive deposits and is seldom worthwhile as long-distance cargo. Its strategic importance becomes much greater after processing, since refined tin is required for bronze production and can be transported economically to regions lacking their own tin resources. Disruptions at major tin-producing mines can therefore affect bronze prices far beyond the mining district itself.
| 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. |