331492 - Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)

In the intricate world of manufacturing, NAICS code 331492 stands as a vital classification for businesses involved in the secondary smelting, refining, and alloying of nonferrous metals, excluding copper and aluminum. This niche, yet crucial industry segment plays a central role in recycling and purifying metals like lead, zinc, nickel, and precious metals, contributing to resource efficiency and sustainability.

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What is NAICS Code 331492?

NAICS code 331492 comprises establishments primarily engaged in the secondary processing of nonferrous metals, excluding copper and aluminum. This includes operations like smelting scrap metal, refining metals recovered from various sources, and alloying purchased metals to produce high-quality secondary metal products. Such activities support industries ranging from manufacturing and electronics to automotive and aerospace.

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Sector and Typical Business Activities

Sector

• Manufacturing

Typical Business Activities

• Secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum)
• Alloying and producing metal powders and flakes from purchased metals
• Recovering precious and rare metals such as gold, silver, platinum, iridium, selenium, tin, and tungsten carbide
• Processing scrap materials like detinning scrap (e.g., cans) and used photographic film for metal recovery
• Producing nonferrous metal alloys and superalloys from scrap or purchased metals

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Size Standards for Eligibility

Businesses classified under NAICS code 331492 typically have a size standard of up to 850 employees to qualify as a small business for government contracting and regulatory purposes.

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Examples of Typical NAICS 331492 Businesses

• Lead smelting and refining plants
• Zinc alloy manufacturing
• Nickel refining and alloy production companies
• Precious metal recovery and refining businesses
• Specialty metal powder and flake manufacturing

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Detailed NAICS Code 331492 Activities & Products

Activity / Product Description
Alloying purchased nonferrous metals (except aluminum, copper)
Detinning scrap processing (e.g., cans)
Germanium recovering from scrap and alloying of purchased metals
Gold recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Ingot production of nonferrous metals (except aluminum, copper), secondary smelting and refining
Iridium recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Lead recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Magnesium recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Metal powder and flake (nonferrous except aluminum/copper) production from purchased metal
Nickel recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Manufacturing nonferrous alloys (except aluminum, copper) from purchased metals
Nonferrous alloy production in integrated secondary smelting and alloying plants
Secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals excluding aluminum and copper
Production of paste, powder, and flakes from purchased nonferrous metals (except aluminum, copper)
Platinum recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Recovering precious metals from scrap or through alloying
Recovering silver from used photographic film or X-ray plates
Secondary refining and smelting of nonferrous metals (except copper, aluminum)
Selenium recovering from scrap and alloying purchased metals
Silver recovery from scrap and photographic materials
Smelting and refining nonferrous metals, secondary process (excluding aluminum, copper)
Superalloy production based on nonferrous metals from purchased metals or scrap
Tin and tungsten carbide powder recovery and production
Zinc dust reclaiming and recovering from scrap

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FAQs About NAICS Code 331492

What metals are covered under NAICS 331492?

This code covers nonferrous metals except for copper and aluminum. Common examples include lead, zinc, nickel, precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), and other rare or specialty metals.

How does this industry contribute to sustainability?

By focusing on secondary smelting and refining, businesses under this code recycle scrap metal, reducing the need for primary mining and lowering environmental impact.

What types of businesses fall under this NAICS code?

Examples include lead smelting and refining facilities, zinc alloy production companies, nickel refining operations, and precious metal recovery businesses.

What is the typical business size for NAICS 331492?

To qualify as a small business under government standards, companies generally should have 850 or fewer employees.

Is copper or aluminum included in this NAICS code?

No. Copper and aluminum smelting and refining fall under separate NAICS codes.

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Harnessing the power of recycling and metal processing, NAICS code 331492 is central to the manufacturing landscape involving secondary nonferrous metals — a critical link between raw resources and finished products that drives innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, or industry professional, understanding the scope of NAICS 331492 is key to tapping into opportunities in manufacturing and recycling sectors.