Metals are natural elements, compounds, or alloys that typically exhibit hardness in their solid state. They are characterized by their reflective surfaces, high electrical and thermal conductivity, malleability, ductility, and fusibility.

More than 75% of the elements in the periodic table are metals. Although we often associate metals with the finished products we use, their origins trace back to beneath the Earth’s surface.

Some elements, like aluminium and iron, are abundant in the Earth’s crust, while others, such as palladium and gold, are exceedingly rare. Nevertheless, even producing the most common elements requires immense energy and labour.

The physical properties of metals make them ideal raw materials for constructing and manufacturing many essential items we rely on daily.

The construction sector utilizes metals in building bridges, homes, office buildings, railways, and airports. Manufacturing relies on metals to produce automobiles, electronics, factory machinery, jewellery, cookware, dental equipment, protective materials, cutlery, and numerous other products.

Metals also play a critical role in the energy and storage industries. They are essential components in battery manufacturing and are even integral to the production of nuclear energy.