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    331410 - Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining

    Introduction

    Understanding the classification and scope of government contracting industries is crucial for businesses aiming to engage in federal projects. NAICS Code 331410 represents a specialized sector within manufacturing that focuses on the smelting and refining of nonferrous metals (except aluminum). This industry plays a vital role in producing essential metals like copper, lead, zinc, and precious metals, serving multiple industrial and commercial applications. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or a new entrant, grasping what this NAICS code covers can help you align your business for procurement opportunities effectively.

    What is NAICS Code 331410?

    NAICS Code 331410 is defined as the industry comprising establishments primarily engaged in smelting and refining nonferrous metals, except aluminum, from various sources such as ore, pig, or scrap. This includes metals such as:

    • Copper
    • Lead
    • Zinc
    • Precious metals (like gold, silver, platinum)
    • And other nonferrous metals excluding aluminum

    These establishments convert raw materials into refined metals or metal alloys, forming a critical link in the manufacturing supply chain.

    Sector and Typical Business Activities

    Sector: Manufacturing

    This NAICS code falls under the manufacturing sector and encompasses business activities such as:

    • Primary copper smelting and refining
    • Lead smelting and refining operations
    • Zinc smelting plants
    • Precious metals refining (gold, silver, platinum)
    • Production of primary nonferrous metal shapes such as bars, billets, ingots, sheets, and plates from refined metals
    • Refining and smelting of specialty metals like beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and titanium

    Typical Business Types

    Some real-world examples of businesses classified under NAICS 331410 include:

    • Copper smelting plants
    • Lead refining facilities
    • Zinc smelting operations
    • Precious metals refineries producing bullion or dore bars

    Size Standards for Eligibility

    For government contracting and Small Business Administration (SBA) purposes, NAICS Code 331410 has a size standard of 1,000 employees. This means a firm qualifies as small if it has 1,000 or fewer employees.

    Comprehensive Code Details Table

    Description Included in NAICS 331410
    Antimony refining, primary Yes
    Bars made in primary copper smelting and refining mills Yes
    Beryllium refining, primary Yes
    Bismuth refining, primary Yes
    Blister copper manufacturing Yes
    Cadmium refining, primary Yes
    Chromium refining, primary Yes
    Cobalt refining, primary Yes
    Copper alloys made in primary copper smelting and refining mills Yes
    Copper concentrate refining Yes
    Copper shapes (bar, billet, ingot, plate, sheet) from primary copper smelting and refining mills Yes
    Copper smelting and refining, primary Yes
    Germanium refining, primary Yes
    Gold bullion or dore bar produced at primary metal refineries Yes
    Gold refining, primary Yes
    Ingot, primary, nonferrous metals (except aluminum), manufacturing Yes
    Iridium refining, primary Yes
    Lead smelting and refining, primary Yes
    Magnesium refining, primary Yes
    Nickel refining, primary Yes
    Niobium refining, primary Yes
    Nonferrous metal (except aluminum) shapes made in primary nonferrous metal smelting and refining mills Yes
    Nonferrous metals (except aluminum) made in primary nonferrous metal smelting and refining mills Yes
    Nonferrous metals (except aluminum) smelting and refining, primary Yes
    Platinum refining, primary Yes
    Precious metals refining, primary Yes
    Primary refining of copper Yes
    Primary refining of nonferrous metals (except aluminum) Yes
    Primary smelting of copper Yes
    Primary smelting of nonferrous metals (except aluminum) Yes
    Refining copper, primary Yes
    Refining nonferrous metals and alloys (except aluminum), primary Yes
    Rhenium refining, primary Yes
    Selenium refining, primary Yes
    Silver bullion or dore bar produced at primary metal refineries Yes
    Silver refining, primary Yes
    Slab, nonferrous metals (except aluminum) primary Yes
    Smelting of nonferrous metals (except aluminum), primary Yes
    Tantalum refining, primary Yes
    Tellurium refining, primary Yes
    Tin base alloys made in primary tin smelting and refining mills Yes
    Tin refining, primary Yes
    Titanium refining, primary Yes
    Uranium refining, primary Yes
    Zinc refining, primary Yes
    Zirconium refining, primary Yes

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What metals are included in NAICS 331410?

    This NAICS code covers smelting and refining of nonferrous metals except aluminum, including copper, lead, zinc, precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), and specialty metals such as beryllium, cadmium, and nickel.

    Does this code include aluminum smelting?

    No, aluminum smelting and refining fall under a different NAICS code. NAICS 331410 specifically excludes aluminum.

    What is the employee size standard for NAICS 331410?

    The SBA size standard for a small business in this industry is 1,000 employees or fewer.

    What types of businesses are classified under this NAICS code?

    Typical businesses include copper smelting plants, lead refining facilities, zinc smelting operations, and precious metals refineries.

    How can knowing this NAICS code benefit my business?

    Understanding this code helps businesses identify contracting opportunities, meet eligibility criteria, and tailor marketing efforts within the manufacturing sector focused on nonferrous metals.


    Unlock the potential within the Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining industry by familiarizing yourself with NAICS 331410. Whether you're seeking government contracts or industry insights, knowing the intricacies of this classification will elevate your strategic positioning.