INDUSTRIAL MINERALS
Iraqi Sulfur
High-purity recovered sulfur, 99.5% to 99.8%, from Iraqi oil refineries and gas processing plants, supplied as lump or crushed sulfur in bulk or bags.
- Purity
- 99.5% – 99.8%
Recovered sulfur - Forms
- Lump · Crushed
Granular on request - Terms
- Sea: FOB · CFR · CIF
Road: FCA · CPT · DAP
OVERVIEW
Iraqi Sulfur Supply
Iraqi sulfur is primarily recovered during crude oil refining and natural gas processing. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is removed from process streams and converted into elemental sulfur, typically through the Claus process. The result is a high-purity product, typically 99.5% to 99.8% sulfur, used in sulfuric acid production, phosphate fertilisers, rubber manufacturing and other chemical industries. Purity and specifications depend on the producing facility and individual batch.
At the plants, recovered sulfur is solidified in large blocks, then broken and crushed for shipment, which is why Iraqi sulfur is mainly traded as lump and crushed sulfur. Iraq also has natural sulfur deposits in the north of the country.
Availability depends on plant output and stock levels at the time of enquiry. PETROXIUM works with qualified Iraqi sulfur suppliers to match the form, size, packing and delivery terms to each enquiry, subject to verified product origin, available quantity and applicable export requirements.
SPECIFICATIONS
Lump, Crushed and Granular Sulfur Specifications
Choose a form. Values are indicative; each cargo is defined by its certificate of analysis.
Lump and crushed sulfur · Indicative values · supplier specification
| Property | Test method | Unit | Indicative value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (sulfur content, dry basis) | by difference | % wt | 99.5 – 99.8 % wt |
| Ash | gravimetric, ignition | % wt | ≤ 0.05 % wt |
| Moisture | oven drying | % wt | ≤ 1.0 % wt |
| Acidity (as H₂SO₄) | titration | % wt | ≤ 0.02 % wt |
| Organic carbon | combustion | % wt | ≤ 0.05 % wt |
| Arsenic | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Selenium | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Tellurium | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Colour | visual | – | bright yellow |
| Size | sieve analysis | mm | crushed to agreed size, or lump |
Granular (formed) sulfur · Indicative values · on request, where available
| Property | Test method | Unit | Indicative value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (sulfur content, dry basis) | by difference | % wt | 99.5 – 99.8 % wt |
| Ash | gravimetric, ignition | % wt | ≤ 0.05 % wt |
| Moisture | oven drying | % wt | ≤ 0.5 % wt |
| Acidity (as H₂SO₄) | titration | % wt | ≤ 0.02 % wt |
| Organic carbon | combustion | % wt | ≤ 0.05 % wt |
| Arsenic | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Selenium | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Tellurium | ICP / AAS | ppm | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Colour | visual | – | bright yellow |
| Size | sieve analysis | mm | 2 – 6 mm |
Specifications are indicative and do not constitute a guaranteed product offer. Final quality parameters, including purity, moisture, ash, acidity and trace elements, are subject to supplier confirmation and independent laboratory analysis, and the acceptance criteria are agreed for each transaction.
Product Availability and Quality
Iraqi sulfur is produced at several refineries and gas processing plants, and its form, moisture and size vary between producers and stockpiles. PETROXIUM works with suppliers to match each enquiry to the buyer’s required purity, form, size, quantity and destination. Final specifications and availability are subject to supplier confirmation, laboratory analysis and the agreed contract terms.
APPLICATIONS
Where Sulfur Is Used
Typical uses of elemental sulfur; the right form depends on the buyer’s process.
Sulfuric Acid
The largest use of sulfur worldwide. Sulfur is burned to make sulfuric acid, the most widely produced industrial chemical.
LumpCrushedGranularPhosphate Fertilisers
Sulfuric acid made from sulfur dissolves phosphate rock to produce phosphoric acid, SSP, TSP, DAP and MAP fertilisers.
Sulfuric acid routeAgricultural Sulfur
Elemental sulfur is used in agricultural formulations to supply sulfur nutrients and support soil pH management. Agriculture typically requires processed sulfur, such as fine powders or sulfur-bentonite granules, rather than untreated industrial lumps.
Processed formsRubber Vulcanisation
Sulfur cross-links natural and synthetic rubber, giving tyres and rubber goods their strength and elasticity.
Ground sulfurMetal Leaching and Mining
Sulfuric acid from sulfur is used to leach copper, nickel, cobalt and uranium from ores.
Sulfuric acid routeChemicals and Industry
Feedstock for carbon disulfide, sulfur dyes, detergents, pharmaceuticals and other sulfur chemicals.
LumpGranular
PACKAGING AND LOADING
Bulk Sulfur Supply, Packing and Transportation
Choose the packing that fits your volume and handling equipment, and the route that fits your market.
Loose in Bulk
Loaded loose into bulk carriers or tipper trucks; the lowest cost per tonne for large buyers.
Jumbo Bags
Woven polypropylene bags for container shipping and overland trucking, lifted by forklift or crane.
Small Bags
For ground or granular sulfur and smaller users, palletised and loaded in containers.
Handling and Storage
Sulfur dust is combustible and wet sulfur can be corrosive. Dry, covered storage, dust control and no ignition sources keep it safe.
Packing availability depends on the sulfur form, supplier facilities and order quantity. Jumbo bags, smaller bags and container loading are arranged subject to supplier confirmation and destination requirements.
Export routes
By sea
Umm Qasr and Khor Al-Zubair
Bulk or containerised cargoes on FOB, CFR or CIF terms, subject to the agreed loading port.
Overland to Jordan
Through Trebil
Trucks or containers to Jordanian buyers or to Aqaba, on FCA, CPT or DAP terms.
Overland to Turkey
Through Ibrahim Khalil
Trucks or containers to Turkish buyers or to Mersin and İzmir, on FCA, CPT or DAP terms.
Sulfur may be transported as loose bulk cargo or in suitable bags and containers. Shipment arrangements depend on form, moisture, dust control, cargo classification and destination regulations; for sea shipments, classification and handling are checked against the IMSBC Code. Routes and terms are confirmed for each enquiry.
QUALITY
Independent Inspection
Independent quality and quantity inspection can be arranged at loading through a mutually agreed inspection company, such as SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas, according to the contract terms.
- Sampling at loadingComposite samples are drawn from the stockpile, bags or cargo being loaded.
- Laboratory testingTested for purity, moisture, ash, acidity, carbon and trace elements.
- Certificates issuedQuality and weight certificates are issued before the documents are released.
DOCUMENTS
Export Documentation
Documentation depends on the destination country, applicable regulations and the agreed Incoterms® 2020.
- Certificate of analysis
- Certificates of quality and weight
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of lading or CMR
- Commercial invoice and packing list
HOW SOURCING WORKS
From Enquiry to Shipment
Send Your Requirement
Form, size, quantity, packing and destination.
We Check Supply
Availability and specification are confirmed with qualified Iraqi suppliers.
Offer and Contract
Terms are agreed and the contract is signed with the supplier.
Inspection and Shipment
Independent inspection at loading, then shipment as agreed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Sulfur
What is recovered sulfur?
Recovered sulfur is removed from crude oil and natural gas during processing. The sulfur is first captured as hydrogen sulfide gas and then converted into elemental sulfur in a Claus unit. Because it comes from a controlled chemical process, recovered sulfur is very pure, typically 99.5% or more.
How pure is Iraqi sulfur?
Recovered sulfur from Iraqi oil refineries and gas processing plants typically reaches 99.5% to 99.8% sulfur. The purity of each cargo is confirmed by its certificate of analysis.
Which forms are available?
Iraqi sulfur is mainly supplied as lump sulfur, broken from solidified blocks, and as crushed sulfur in sizes agreed with the buyer. Granular (formed) sulfur can be sourced on request where available.
Does Iraq also have natural sulfur deposits?
Yes. Iraq has natural sulfur deposits in the north of the country, including the Mishraq area near Mosul. Most sulfur offered for export today, however, is high-purity recovered sulfur from oil and gas processing.
Is sulfur hazardous to ship?
Solid sulfur requires appropriate handling, because sulfur dust can present fire and explosion hazards, while wet sulfur may contribute to corrosion of cargo spaces. Marine shipments must follow the applicable IMSBC Code requirements, including the correct cargo classification, documentation and safety precautions. Road transport requirements depend on the cargo form and applicable regulations.
What is the minimum order?
Minimum quantities depend on the form, packing, supplier availability and shipping arrangements. Bagged sulfur is usually ordered by the container or truck load, and bulk supply is agreed per contract.
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