Basic metal production encompasses the activities of smelting or refining ferrous and precious as well as other non-ferrous metals from ore or scrap, using metallurgic techniques. It also comprises the production of metal alloys and super-alloys by adding certain chemical elements to pure metals.

Fabricated metal products are metal parts that are combined, shaped or otherwise processed to create a useful product. Fabrication is a blanket term for many metalworking processes; these include rolling, punching, stamping, sintering, welding, machining and many others. Fabrication is a secondary metalworking process.

The manufacture of basic metals and fabricated metal products consists of two main groups of activity – metallurgy (ferrous and non-ferrous) and the casting of metals. The industry as a whole is geographically concentrated. This applies particularly to ferrous metallurgy (Moravia-Silesia region).

Until recently the development in the industry had been influenced by a robust demand on the part of the car industry, mechanical engineering and construction. Employers  therefore faced difficulties related to insufficient generational replacement of human resources. There has been a slump in interest in studying the relevant disciplines, and even in the ongoing period of economic crisis occupations such as casters and founders remain to be in short supply.