metallindustri

Metallindustri, or the metal industry, refers to the sector involved in the extraction of metal ores, their refinement, alloying, and fabrication into finished products. It encompasses primary production—mining, smelting, and refining—as well as secondary production, including recycling and remelting of scrap metal, and downstream fabrication such as casting, rolling, forging, extrusion, and surface finishing.

Metals involved include ferrous metals such as iron and steel, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, nickel, zinc, titanium, and precious metals. The industry spans upstream activities (mining and ore processing), midstream operations (smelting, refining, alloying), and downstream manufacturing (components, structures, tools). Key processes include ore extraction; concentration; smelting; refining; alloying; forming (casting, rolling, extrusion, forging); heat treatment; and finishing.

Economically, the metallindustri is energy- and capital-intensive and highly interconnected with sectors such as construction, automotive, machinery, and energy. Geographically, major producers include China, Japan, other parts of Asia, Europe, and North America, with growing significance in other regions. Recycling of scrap metal provides substantial secondary production and can reduce energy use and emissions.

History and technology have shaped the industry from early ironworking to modern steelmaking, with processes such as the Bessemer converter and open-hearth furnaces giving way to basic oxygen furnaces and electric arc furnaces. Today, automation, process control, and environmental management are increasingly important, as are innovations in alloys, coatings, and lightweight materials.

Environmental and regulatory pressures, along with a shift toward circular economy principles, influence sourcing, energy use, and end-of-life recycling within metallindustri worldwide.