Terms & Conditions
FringeMetals Master User Terms & Conditions
User Agreement Summary
By joining our ecosystem, you are entering a secure, expert-vetted marketplace powered by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited. To protect our users and the integrity of our trades, please note the following core principles:
1. The "Closed-Loop" Model
To ensure total security and protect your trade secrets, FringeMetals acts as the sole intermediary. We manage all communications and logistics. Buyers and Sellers remain anonymous to one another throughout the transaction process.
2. Expert Vetting & Lab Analysis
We don't take anyone's word for quality. All minerals (Ores, Concentrates, and Refined Metals) are sampled by Arete and tested by independent, accredited third-party laboratories. These lab results are the final authority for the transaction's value and the release of funds.
3. Fair "Pro-Rata" Pricing
For Raw Ores and Concentrates, the final price you pay or receive is adjusted automatically based on the actual grade verified by the lab. This ensures you only pay for the metal content actually delivered.
4. Transparent Fee Structure
FringeMetals operates on a clear facilitation model:
- 5% Trading Fee on all physical metal/ore sales.
- 5% Logistics Fee on all managed transport and handling.
- 5% Investment Fee on successful mining asset deals.
- Optional fees apply for Trade Finance (2–3%) and ESG Certification (1–2%).
5. Non-Circumvention & Trust
By using this platform, you agree not to bypass FringeMetals to deal directly with any contact introduced through our system for a period of 24 months. Unauthorized "side deals" carry a 10% penalty fee and immediate account termination.
6. Secure Trade Assurance (Escrow)
All payments are held securely by FringeMetals. Funds are only released to the Seller once the third-party lab confirms the quality and the logistics team confirms the material has been dispatched.
Master Terms & Conditions
1. Ownership and Platform Identity
1.1. The System: FringeMetals is a proprietary electronic ecosystem owned and operated by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited ("Arete").
1.2. Principal Intermediary: The Platform operates as a "Closed-Loop" intermediary. FringeMetals is the central counterparty for all contracts, managing the flow of goods, data, and capital without disclosing the identities of Buyers and Sellers to one another.
1.3. Acceptance: Use of the platform constitutes a legally binding agreement. All transactions are subject to these terms and the laws of the jurisdiction of Arete's incorporation.
2. Marketplace & Product Categories
2.1. Scope of Trade: The Platform facilitates the trade of raw materials for the EV, battery, clean energy, and advanced steel industries. This includes Raw Ores (crushed/uncrushed), Concentrates, Blister/Anodes, and Refined Metals (Cathodes/Ingots).
2.2. Field Liaison Role: Arete manages all technical vetting. For Raw Ores and Concentrates, Arete coordinates the collection of representative samples from the Seller's stockpile to ensure quality control before dispatch.
3. Comprehensive Business & Fee Model
By using the Platform, Users agree to the following non-negotiable facilitation fees:
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Metal & Ore Trading | 5% | Of the gross sale value, calculated based on verified grades and LME-linked benchmarks. |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | 5% | Of the total transport, insurance, and handling costs managed through the Platform. |
| Mining Investments | 5% | Outright Purchase: 5% commission on total sale value. Partnerships/JVs: 5% equity stake or 5% valuation fee upon asset exit/sale. |
| Trade Finance & Advances | 2–3% | Flat fee applied to "Logistics Advances" or liquidity provided to facilitate a trade. |
| ESG & Traceability Premium | 1–2% | For issuance of "Green Mineral" or "Conflict-Free" digital traceability certificates. |
4. Technical Vetting & Pro-Rata Settlement
4.1. Independent Laboratories: All samples are tested by accredited third-party laboratories (e.g., SGS, Alfred H. Knight). The resulting Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is the final authority for determining transaction value.
4.2. Grade Adjustment: For Ores and Concentrates, the final payout is adjusted pro-rata based on the lab's verified unit content (e.g., % of Copper per Metric Ton). If results differ from the Seller's listing, the total price is adjusted automatically.
4.3. Release of Funds: Funds are released to the Seller only after quality confirmation by the third-party lab and successful dispatch/delivery confirmation by the logistics team.
5. "Blind Trading" & Non-Circumvention
5.1. Anonymity: All listings are anonymized. Seller mine locations and Buyer facility addresses are strictly confidential and managed exclusively by Arete.
5.2. Non-Circumvention: Users are prohibited from bypassing the Platform. Any relationship initiated via FringeMetals must remain on the Platform for twenty-four (24) months.
5.3. Penalty: Unauthorized "side deals" result in a penalty of 10% of the total transaction value and permanent exclusion from the ecosystem.
6. Managed Logistics & Documentation
6.1. Exclusive Coordination: Arete manages the generation of all shipping documents (Bills of Lading, Invoices, Waybills).
6.2. Masking: Documents list Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited as the Consignor/Consignee to protect the "Closed-Loop" integrity and prevent direct contact between parties.
7. Investment Facilitation & Vetting
7.1. Certified Assets: License holders list tenements for Joint Venture or Sale. Arete facilitates all technical queries and site inspections. Investors interact with assets through Arete's technical reports.
7.2. Success Fees: A 1% "Investor-Ready" Success Fee applies to the first investment round for assets that have undergone a full Arete technical audit.
8. ESG & Ethical Sourcing
8.1. Compliance: Sellers warrant that all minerals meet global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards and are conflict-free.
8.2. Audit Rights: FringeMetals reserves the right to audit the "Chain of Custody" for any mineral listed at any time.
9. Governing Law
9.1. Technical results from independent labs are final and binding for all settlements. Any legal disputes shall be settled within the jurisdiction of Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited's incorporation.
FringeMetals is owned and operated by Arete Mining & Consultancy Limited.
For questions regarding these terms, contact us at support@fringemetals.com.
Phone / WhatsApp: +260 978 070 789 / +260 961 986 866