This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) recovering copper and copper alloys from scrap and/or (2) alloying purchased copper. Establishments in this industry make primary forms, such as ingot, wire bar, cake, and slab from copper or copper alloys, such as brass and bronze.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

Sorting and breaking up scrap metal without also smelting or refining--are classified in Industry 423930, Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers;

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--are classified in Industry 562920, Materials Recovery Facilities;

Smelting copper ore and/or the primary refining of copper--are classified in U.S. Industry 331411, Primary Smelting and Refining of Copper;

Recovering copper and copper alloys from scrap and rolling, drawing, or extruding shapes--are classified in U.S. Industry 331421, Copper Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding;

Recovering copper and copper alloys from scrap and drawing wire (except mechanical)--are classified in U.S. Industry 331422, Copper Wire (except Mechanical) Drawing; and

Recovering nonferrous metals (except copper, aluminum) from scrap and making primary forms and/or alloying purchased nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum)--are classified in U.S. Industry 331492, Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum).