Website FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

SteelOnTheNet is an independent steel industry advisory firm with an integrated business model combining Strategic Advisory, Think Tank Research, and Intelligence Resources. We serve governments, banks, steel producers, investors, and industry professionals across 48 countries.

Our integrated business model:

• Strategic Advisory: Conflict-free consulting for governments, banks, and corporations through Metals Consulting International (MCI)
• Think Tank Research: Independent policy analysis challenging industry orthodoxy through our Insights Hub
• Intelligence Resources: Proprietary databases covering 4,500+ facilities, capital costs, and M&A transactions

Our platform features six specialised hubs:

• Advisory Hub: Professional consulting for feasibility studies, due diligence, and restructuring
• Insights Hub: Expert policy analysis on industry trends and strategic developments
• Resource Hub: Comprehensive databases and intelligence resources
• News Hub: Daily steel industry news coverage
• M&A Data Hub: Transaction database with valuations and ownership structures
• History Hub: Corporate chronologies of 50 major steel producers

Our platform serves diverse professional audiences:

• Steel Producers: Plant capacity data, cost benchmarking, technical knowledge, competitor mapping
• Investment Analysts: M&A valuations, financial KPIs, price forecasts, company intelligence
• Strategy Consultants: Market analysis, competitive intelligence, cost positioning
• Banking Professionals: Feasibility studies, due diligence support, capex databases
• Policy Makers: Capacity trends, trade analysis, state aid databases, decarbonisation policy
• Academic Researchers: Historical data, plant databases, technical knowledge, training resources

View our complete platform guide →

We provide role-specific navigation guides for each user type. Visit our Platform Guide to understand which hubs and resources best match your needs. Each guide includes:

• Recommended starting points for your role
• Key resources and databases relevant to your work
• Step-by-step guidance for common tasks
• Links to essential tools and reports

Our consulting practice at Metals Consulting International Limited (MCI) provides:

• Government Restructuring: National steel sector restructuring plans, EU state aid compliance, privatisation programmes
• Investment Advisory: Feasibility studies, due diligence, business valuations, post-investment monitoring
• Expert Witness Services: International arbitration testimony in London, Paris, The Hague, Geneva, Hong Kong
• Concept Studies: Fixed-price preliminary assessments for investment opportunities
• Corporate Restructuring: Strategic reviews, operational improvements, turnaround plans

Explore advisory services →

Our feasibility studies provide comprehensive analysis across three dimensions:

• Market Analysis: Demand assessment, competition analysis, pricing forecasts, market access evaluation
• Technical Evaluation: Technology selection, process routes, equipment specifications, operational requirements
• Financial Modelling: Capital expenditure estimates, operating cost projections, cash flow analysis, investment returns

Studies typically range from £15,000 to £50,000 depending on scope and complexity. Learn more about feasibility studies →

Yes. Our sister firm SteelExpertWitness.com provides independent expert witness services across the full spectrum of steel sector disputes. Recent cases have involved testimony in London, Paris, Geneva, The Hague, and Hong Kong on matters including:

• Contract terms and quality specifications
• Pricing disputes and raw material non-delivery
• Shipping and cargo damage claims
• Mill design, plant installation, and equipment performance
• Operational issues and production problems

Our consultants have held leadership positions at major steel companies including ArcelorMittal, British Steel, Corus, and ThyssenKrupp. We've served clients including:

• Government clients: UK Department for International Development, European Commission, national steel associations
• Financial institutions: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), multinational investment banks
• Corporate clients: OYAK, the Turkish Armed Forces Pension Fund (US$2.77bn Erdemir acquisition, 2005), Deloitte, major steel producers

View our expert credentials → | Read client testimonials →

Our market data hub provides comprehensive coverage including:

• Production Data: Crude steel output statistics for 70+ countries, monthly updates, historical comparisons
• Consumption Analysis: Demand patterns by region, product shape breakdown, end-use sector analysis
• Trade Flows: International trade patterns, major exporters/importers, product-specific data
• Price Data: Current pricing for finished products, semi-finished products, raw materials with historical trends
• Capacity Intelligence: 4,500+ facility database with ownership structures and operational status

Access market data →

Individual steel capacity reports are priced at $500 USD each. Available reports include:

• Crude Steel Capacity: BOF and EAF capacity by plant worldwide, historical data 1990-2024 with projections to 2040
• Flat Products Capacity: Plate, HRC, CRC and galvanised steel capacity (top 20 control 52.4% of 1,304.6 Mt global capacity)
• Long Products Capacity: Sections, rail, bar and rod capacity (top 20 represent 22.8% of 1,443.0 Mt global capacity)

Reports authored by James F. King, recognised by the OECD Steel Committee as the leading authority on steel capacity. View capacity reports →

Yes. Our capital investment database contains 1,345 actual project records covering:

• Front end: Sinter, coke making, DRI, blast furnaces, BOF, EAF, induction furnaces
• Casting: Slab, billet and bloom continuous casting machines
• Flat products: Plate, hot strip mills, cold rolling, HDG, tinplate, organic coating
• Long products: Heavy sections, rail, bar mills, rod mills, wire drawing
• Tubular: Welded pipe (ERW, LSAW, HSAW) and seamless tube plants

Individual records available for $25 USD per investment project. Access capex database →

Yes. We offer interactive cost calculators and custom economic models:

• Online Calculators: EAF, BOF, HRC, rebar, seamless tube, welded pipe
• Custom Models: Excel-based tools for any steelmaking process, any global region, with complete cost breakdowns
• Cost Curves: Competitive positioning analysis across 180+ plants for HRC, 250+ facilities for rebar

Custom models typically range from £2,000-£8,000 depending on complexity. Explore cost models →

Our M&A database tracks 192 steel sector transactions from publicly disclosed sources including company announcements, regulatory filings, and industry press. Coverage includes:

• Steelmaker Acquisitions: Cross-border transactions with valuations and strategic rationale
• Scrap Sector Consolidation: Dealer acquisitions and vertical integration moves
• Distribution Networks: Service centre and trader acquisitions
• Strategic Mergers: Major industry consolidation analysis

Access M&A database →

Our technical knowledge base includes:

• Decarbonisation Resources: Timeline of hydrogen steelmaking developments (2004-2025), CO₂ emissions by process step, BAT checklist
• EAF Technology: Evolution of EAF technology (1970-2000), quality capability trends, residual levels in metallics
• Production Data: Hot strip mill gauge distribution, steel plant KPIs, operational benchmarks
• Training Videos: Free educational videos covering blast furnace operations, BOF and EAF steelmaking, continuous casting, hot/cold rolling, seamless/welded tube production

Access technical resources → | Watch training videos →

Yes, all training videos are free and cover the entire steel manufacturing chain. Perfect for new industry professionals, engineering students, operations staff, and anyone looking to understand steel manufacturing processes through clear visual demonstrations. Topics include:

• Iron ore to pig iron production
• BOF and EAF steelmaking
• Continuous casting processes
• Hot and cold rolling operations
• Seamless pipe and welded tube production
• Forging and wire rope manufacturing

Watch training videos →

Significant content is freely accessible to all visitors:

• News: Free access to 42+ steel industry newsfeeds, updated daily, with no registration
• Market Data: Selected production statistics, price charts, trade data
• Technical Resources: Complete knowledge base including KPIs, decarbonisation timeline, BAT checklist
• Training: All educational videos covering steelmaking processes
• Industry Links: Comprehensive directory of steel industry websites
• Company Histories: Corporate chronologies of 50 major steel producers
• Expert Guidance: How-to articles and consulting tips

All news is free. Payment applies only to the following reports, data and services:

• Capacity Reports: Detailed facility-level analysis ($500 USD per report)
• Capex Cost Records: Individual investment project data ($25 USD per record)
• Custom Cost Models: Tailored economic analysis (£2,000-£8,000)
• Consulting Services: Feasibility studies, due diligence, expert witness (project-based pricing)
• Country Reports: Comprehensive demand analysis with historical data (contact for pricing)

Contact us for detailed pricing →

No. All our news is free to read, with no subscription or registration. You have free access to 42+ newsfeeds covering steel companies, regional markets, prices, raw materials and technology. Start at our News Hub.

Yes, we provide bundle discounts for multiple capacity reports and corporate packages for organisations requiring comprehensive access to our data and services. Contact us at info@steelonthenet.com to discuss your specific requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

SteelOnTheNet is operated by Metals Consulting International Limited (MCI), a UK-registered company specialising in steel industry consulting and intelligence services. SteelOnTheNet was founded in 2001 and is part of the MCI Group. It has provided authoritative analysis to governments, banks, and steel companies worldwide ever since.

Our integrated business model combines Strategic Advisory (consulting for governments and banks), Think Tank Research (independent policy analysis), and Intelligence Resources (proprietary databases). This structure ensures the independence required for expert witness testimony, government policy work, and bank due diligence.

Our consulting practice operates under MCI. Our expert witness services are available at SteelExpertWitness.com.

SteelOnTheNet is led by Dr Andrzej M Kotas, a steel industry expert with 36+ years of steel sector experience. Dr Kotas has advised governments, banks, investors, and steel companies across 48 countries on restructuring, privatisation, modernisation, and investment matters.

His expertise is particularly recognised in Central and Eastern European steel markets, and he has served clients including the UK Department for International Development, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and major steel producers worldwide.

View professional profile → | Learn more about our team →

Our structural independence sets us apart. Unlike subscription-dependent data providers who cannot publish views that might alienate large commercial subscribers, our project-based business model enables us to provide the conflict-free analysis required for:

• Expert witness testimony: Courts and arbitration panels value our independence
• Government policy work: Ministries require unbiased analysis
• Bank due diligence: Financial institutions need objective assessments

Our integrated business model proves this independence: Think Tank Research that challenges industry orthodoxy demonstrates we can provide the conflict-free analysis our Strategic Advisory clients require, whilst our Intelligence Resources provide the data foundation for both.

Learn about our independence →

Our consultant network brings together seasoned professionals with deep operational expertise averaging 20-25 years each of hands-on experience. Our team includes former executives from ArcelorMittal, British Steel, Corus, ThyssenKrupp, and numerous regional producers.

Expertise spans:

• Integrated Operations: Blast furnace, BOF steelmaking, cokemaking plants
• Mini-Mill Operations: EAF-based steelmaking, scrap processing, modern casting technology
• Rolling & Processing: Hot & cold rolling, galvanising lines, coating operations
• Tube Production: Seamless tube manufacturing, welded pipe production, quality control
• Specialty Steel: Advanced materials, ferro-alloys, stainless steel operations
• Distribution: Routes to market, supply chain optimisation, customer relationships

View expert profiles →

Our analysis and data are regularly cited by leading organisations including:

• International Organisations: OECD, World Bank, United Nations, European Commission
• Academic Institutions: Citations in peer-reviewed journals including ScienceDirect, Springer, Nature Communications
• Government Bodies: UK Parliament, European Steel Association (EUROFER), national steel associations
• Media: Financial Times, specialist steel industry publications

We're followed by over 10,000 steel industry professionals on social media for market intelligence and strategic insights. View complete citations →

Our steel capacity intelligence is provided through partnership with James F. King, Cambridge Economics graduate with 45+ years specialising in global steel capacity. Recognised by the OECD Steel Committee as the leading authority on steel capacity issues.

Statistical data on world steel production and trade is provided by the International Steel Statistics Bureau (ISSB), the world's leading authority on international steel trade flows and statistics.

We welcome enquiries about our services, data products, and consulting support:

• Email: info@steelonthenet.com
• Telephone: +44 775 149 0885
• Contact Form: Online contact form
• LinkedIn: Connect with Dr Kotas

We typically respond to enquiries within 24-48 hours during business days.