Scrap Steel Prices in Katherine
Scrap steel in Katherine currently pays from $0.03 per kilogram for light steel up to $0.05 for heavy melting steel (hms). Katherine is a regional centre in Northern Territory, with rates set by transport distance to the nearest capital and smelter network.
Steel grades and payouts in Katherine (per kg)
Estimated yard payouts for each grade, based on the current LME spot ($0.42/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Melting Steel (HMS) Steel at least 6mm thick. Standard ferrous grade for export markets. | 18% | $0.05 | $0.04 – $0.06 |
| Light Steel Thinner sheet steel, appliance cabinets, light gauge profiles. | 12% | $0.03 | $0.03 – $0.04 |
Price history
Local Katherine prices track the national steel series — multiply by 0.65 for Katherine equivalents. View the full 30-day chart on the national steel page.
Steel 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 steel 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 steel
We don't have any verified yards in Katherine yet. Search for 'steel 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 steel in Katherine? +
Today's estimated payouts in Katherine range from $0.03 per kilogram (light steel) up to $0.05 (heavy melting steel (hms)). 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 steel 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 steel 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 steel? +
Transport cost. Steel 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 steel graded at Katherine yards? +
Katherine yards use the same grading system as the rest of Australia: Heavy Melting Steel (HMS), Light Steel. The grade depends on cleanliness, alloy purity, and contamination. See our complete <a href="/metals/steel/">Steel grading guide</a> for what each grade means, examples, and how to identify it.
Do I need ID to sell steel at a Katherine yard? +
Yes for any non-ferrous scrap. 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 steel 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.