Scrap Lead Prices in Katherine
Scrap lead in Katherine currently pays from $0.55 per kilogram for lead-acid batteries up to $0.92 for soft lead. Katherine is a regional centre in Northern Territory, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Lead grades and payouts in Katherine (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($2.84/kg) and Katherine's 0.65× regional adjustment. Actual offers vary by yard, load size, and material quality.
| Grade | Payout rate | Est. mid (AUD/kg) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Lead Pure lead in pipe, sheet, or ingot form. | 50% | $0.92 | $0.78 – $1.06 |
| Lead-Acid Batteries Whole batteries, priced per kilogram including casing and acid. Yards may have minimum quantities. | 30% | $0.55 | $0.47 – $0.64 |
Price history
Local Katherine prices track the national lead series — multiply by 0.65 for Katherine equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national lead page.
Lead in Katherine
Katherine is the largest town in the Northern Territory south of Darwin, serving defence (Tindal RAAF Base), pastoral, and mining customers across vast distances. Remoteness drives the lowest payout rates in the directory — yards must transport metal hundreds of kilometres before any further processing.
As a regional centre, Katherine's lead flow comes primarily from residential renovations, local trade work, and rural property clearances. Yards in Katherine consolidate volume for shipment to processing facilities in larger centres.
Scrap yards in Katherine that buy lead
We don't have any verified yards in Katherine yet. Search for 'lead scrap yard Katherine' or call yards in your area before transporting a load. View directory page →
Frequently asked questions
What's the current price for scrap lead in Katherine? +
Today's estimated payouts in Katherine range from $0.55 per kilogram (lead-acid batteries) up to $0.92 (soft lead). Prices update daily and reflect Katherine's 0.65× regional adjustment from the Sydney benchmark. See the grades table above for all payouts.
Where can I sell scrap lead in Katherine? +
We're building a verified directory of Katherine scrap yards. Until that's live, call 2-3 yards in your area before transport. Most Katherine yards accept lead in all common grades, though smaller yards may have minimum weight requirements. For larger loads, also consider yards in Darwin.
Why does Katherine pay 35% less than Sydney for lead? +
Transport cost. Lead sold in Katherine eventually travels to a smelter or export port — typically via Darwin — and yards price the freight cost into their offer. The 0.65× regional adjustment models this transport drag based on observed yard rates and distance to processing facilities.
How is lead graded at Katherine yards? +
Katherine yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Soft Lead, Lead-Acid Batteries. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/lead/">Lead grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell lead at a Katherine yard? +
Yes, and always — lead-acid batteries require ID at every yard nationally. Northern Territory legislation requires yards to record seller ID on regulated transactions to deter metal theft. Bring a driver's licence or other photo ID. Cash payments above certain thresholds may require additional documentation.
Is it worth driving from Katherine to a bigger city for higher lead rates? +
Generally no, unless you have a very large load. Fuel costs from Katherine to Darwin quickly eat the rate difference, especially for a single residential load. The exception is high-value loads of clean copper or brass — for loads above a few hundred kilograms of clean material, the maths can work out. For everything else, consolidate locally and accept the 0.65× rate.