Iron manufacturers create ferroalloys by mixing in other metals, usually to decrease the iron's rate of corrosion and oxidization. Silicon, phosphorous, tungsten, manganese and chromium are the most common additive metals. Different combinations and amounts of metals affect the durability, hardness, ductility and strength of the steel created from ferroalloys products.

Four essential groups rely on the ferroalloys industry.

1. Prospectors find major ore deposits where investors then build mines and bring in workers and equipment to extract the ore from the land.

2. Manufacturers melt the ore and its ferroalloy chemicals to create varying types of steel.

3. Distributors use bulk steel to mold and develop steel products, which sell to other commercial business or the general public.

4. Customers purchase steel products for a wide variety of uses in industries including construction, household appliances, cars, pipelines and aerospace.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Work with successful iron ore mines

The steel-making industry relies on the hard work, safety and successful extraction methods.

I recommend: Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest iron ore producer in North America. BHP Billiton in Australia provided raw materials for the creation of the 2008 Olympic medals, a result of its worldwide reputation for high-quality standards in product and safety.

Research ferroalloy manufacturing companies and their steel-making processes

Ferroalloy manufacturers use blast furnaces or electric arc furnaces, which use pure oxygen, to melt the metals together. A ferroalloys producer can then sell the steel in bulk to a distributor who uses the steel to make products for sale.

I recommend: Request more information with a detailed, online questionnaire offered by Belmont Metals after you review their products. F.W. Winter offers many of its ferroalloys raw materials in powders or lump materials.

Meet suppliers of ferroalloys products to see what types of items and services they offer

Ferroalloys distributors sell their products to companies that turn the steel into practical-use products, like the car you drive, the washing machine that cleans your laundry and the hammer and nails you use to hang decorations.

I recommend: Holloway specializes in structural forming, turning ferroalloy material into structural components used in major construction. Western-Canwell creates ventilation equipment from ferroalloys. Diversified Industrial Products makes custom parts from harder-to-find metals, like nickel.

Discover the many uses for products made of ferroalloy materials

Retailers depend on mining an manufacturing industries that create ferroalloys and the resulting products to provide the highest-quality steel products for commercial and public purchase.

I recommend: Conner Steel Products manufactures steel tanks for the oil and gas industry. DeMuth Steel Products makes farming equipment including silo hardware. CMC Steel Products promote its SMARTBEAM product for use in suspended flooring.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Automakers, airplane and aerospace builders, urban construction builders and large-scale food processors like slaughterhouses and cheese manufacturers are the largest consumers of steel products in the US. Companies that specialize in supplying these specific industries thrive in an otherwise dwindling domestic steel industry.