As an important base-raw complex, the excavation of metal ores and production of basic metals with the industry of processing of metals is economically complementary and technologically completed entirety.
Excavation of metal ores in the physical volume of production in industry and mining participates with 0,74 percent. In 2012 compared to the previous year the excavation of metal ores notes a growth by 11,9 percent.
Excavation of coal and lignite in the physical volume of industry and mining accounts for 1,63 percent. In 2012 the production notes growth, index -113,8. The production of basic metals (ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy) in physical volume of industrial production participates with 11,47 percent, and the same is the participation of this sector in the total number of employees.
In 2012 the physical volume of basic metals production, as a result of debt crisis in Europe, is decreased by 10,7 percent.
In production of the basic metals, as a specific basic branch of strategic importance, are installed completed technical and technological systems that are equipped with modern equipment and technology from several known world manufacturers.
In metallurgy sector, in the production of basic metals are accomplished significant foreign investments, as in production of hot rolled, cold rolled and coated sheets, ferroalloys, profiles and pipes, concrete iron and other products.
Installed capacities of hot rolled thick plates - 520.000 tons, hot rolled strips -800.000 tons, cold rolled sheets - 600.000 tons, galvanized and plastic coated sheets -150.000 tons, welded tubes and profiles - 400.000 tons, ferrosilicon - 80.000 tons, ferrous and silicon manganese 180.000 tons, ferrous-nickel - 14.000 tons, reinforced –concrete iron -100.000 tons, various types of castings - 12.000 tons, light rolled galvanized wire - 7.000 tons.
In 2012, the export of basic metals amounted over US$ 848 million (in 2011 the export amounted over US$ 1,02 billion) the decline is due to global economic crisis. Along with the excavation of metal ores, the total export in 2012 amounted to over US$ 1,05 billion. This sector in total exports of the Republic of Macedonia participates by 35 percent.