Manufacture of basic iron and steel and of ferro-alloys

NACE code 24.1 covers the manufacture of basic iron and steel, as well as ferro-alloys. This industry is a crucial component of the broader manufacturing sector, providing essential raw materials for a wide range of downstream industries. The production of basic iron and steel is a capital-intensive process that requires significant investment in specialized equipment and infrastructure, making it a significant contributor to economic activity and employment in many countries.

The primary production techniques used in this industry involve the smelting and refining of iron ore and other ferrous materials. This typically involves the use of blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and electric arc furnaces to convert raw materials into molten steel, which is then cast into various semi-finished products, such as billets, blooms, and slabs. Ferro-alloys, which are used to enhance the properties of steel, are produced through similar high-temperature smelting processes.

The main inputs required for the manufacture of basic iron and steel and ferro-alloys include iron ore, coal, limestone, and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Specialized machinery, such as blast furnaces, basic oxygen furnaces, and electric arc furnaces, are also essential for the production process. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and operators, to operate and maintain the complex production facilities.

The primary outputs of this industry are various forms of basic iron and steel, including pig iron, crude steel, and semi-finished products like billets, blooms, and slabs. These outputs are then consumed by a wide range of downstream industries, such as 24.2 Manufacture of tubes, pipes, hollow profiles and related fittings, of steel, 25.1 Manufacture of structural metal products, and 29.1 Manufacture of motor vehicles, which use these materials to produce a variety of finished goods.