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.
