NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining
NAICS 331410 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) smelting ores into nonferrous metals and/or (2) the primary refining of nonferrous metals (except aluminum) by electrolytic methods or other processes.
Start the review with environmental/pollution liability.
For Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining, the saved research highlights environmental/pollution liability, workers' compensation, property. Confirm how these arise in the actual operation, what controls are used and whether additional services change the proposed coverage.
Questions to ask
- What specific nonferrous metals are smelted or refined, and what are the primary feedstock sources?
- What is the current environmental compliance status, and are there any outstanding regulatory notices, violations, or remediation obligations?
- What is the age, condition, and replacement value of the primary smelting and refining equipment?
- What industrial hygiene and worker protection programs are in place for toxic metal exposure?
- Is there any prior pollution liability history, including historical site contamination pre-dating current ownership?
- For Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining, what should the underwriter know about prior pollution incidents, epa enforcement actions, or superfund site designation?
- For Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining, what should the underwriter know about processing of highly toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, or beryllium without documented industrial hygiene and emissions control programs?
- For Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining, what should the underwriter know about aging or poorly maintained high-temperature furnaces or electrolytic equipment?
Activities described by this code
Other activities to examine
- Mining and making copper and other nonferrous concentrates (including gold and silver bullion), by processes, such as solvent extraction or electrowinning: 2122 — Metal Ore Mining
- Recovering copper or copper alloys from scrap or dross and/or alloying, rolling, drawing, and extruding purchased copper: 331420 — Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying
- Rolling, drawing, and/or extruding nonferrous metal shapes (except copper and aluminum) from purchased nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum) or by recovering nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum) and rolling, drawing, or extruding: 331491 — Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding
- Recovering nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum) from scrap and making primary forms and/or alloying purchased nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum): 331492 — Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)
- Making aluminum from alumina: 331313 — Alumina Refining and Primary Aluminum Production
- Operating facilities where commingled recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, used beverage cans, and metals, are sorted into distinct categories without also smelting or refining: 562920 — Materials Recovery Facilities;
- Sorting, breaking up, and wholesaling scrap metal without also smelting or refining: 423930 — Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Nonferrous metal smelting and refining facilities convert raw ores, concentrates, or other feedstocks into primary metals such as copper, lead, zinc, nickel, tin, or precious metals through high-temperature smelting, electrolytic refining, or chemical processes. Operations typically involve furnaces, smelting vessels, electrolytic cells, and associated materials handling, with significant energy consumption and emissions management requirements.
Questions to investigate
- What specific nonferrous metals are smelted or refined, and what are the primary feedstock sources?
- What is the current environmental compliance status, and are there any outstanding regulatory notices, violations, or remediation obligations?
- What is the age, condition, and replacement value of the primary smelting and refining equipment?
- What industrial hygiene and worker protection programs are in place for toxic metal exposure?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.