This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) smelting ores into nonferrous metals and/or (2) the primary refining of nonferrous metals (except aluminum) using electrolytic or other processes.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Making aluminum from alumina or recovery of aluminum from scrap--are classified in Industry 33131, Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing;
• Recovering copper or copper alloys from scrap or dross and/or alloying, rolling, drawing, and extruding purchased copper--are classified in Industry 33142, Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying;
• Recovering nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum) from scrap and/or alloying, rolling, drawing, and extruding purchased nonferrous metals (except copper and aluminum)--are classified in Industry 33149, Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying;
• Mining and making copper and other nonferrous concentrates (including gold and silver bullion) using processes, such as solvent extraction or electrowinning--are classified in Industry Group 2122, Metal Ore Mining;
• Sorting and breaking up scrap metal without also smelting or refining--are classified in, Sector 42--Wholesale Trade; and
• 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 56292, Materials Recovery Facilities.