- 132 Country market analyses 1980–2040 data
- 118 Clients Since 2001
- 152 Projects delivered Since 2001
- 4,500 Steel plants in database
Dr Andrzej M Kotas FIMMM FIC · Steel industry advisor and expert witnessCited by Nature, UK Parliament, European Commission, U.S. DoEUK Register of Expert Witnesses since 2012Work in 48 countriesFull credentials ↓
How We Work
Since 2001, SteelOnTheNet has provided independent decision support to the global steel industry. Funded by project fees rather than subscriptions or membership dues, we give courts, governments and investors conflict-free analysis. SteelOnTheNet is part of the MCI Group, operated by Metals Consulting International Limited.
Our business model rests on three mutually reinforcing pillars.
- Strategic advisory work keeps us close to the operational and commercial challenges clients actually face.
- Think tank research turns that front-line experience into published policy and cost analysis.
- Intelligence resources supply the rigorous data that underpins every advisory engagement in turn.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
Steel Industry Advisory, Research & Intelligence Services
Strategic Advisory Services
Independent analysis for governments, banks and corporations facing major decisions, delivered through Metals Consulting International (MCI). Standards are set out in our code of conduct.
Government Restructuring
Restructuring and privatisation programmes for national governments — EU state aid compliance, subsidy management and independent policy design.
Investment Due Diligence & Feasibility
Impartial appraisal for banks and financial institutions investing in steel plants worldwide.
- Feasibility studies — market, technical & financial
- Due diligence & project risk assessment
- Business valuation & M&A support
Expert Witness & Legal Testimony
Litigation support and expert testimony for steel sector disputes via SteelExpertWitness.com — proceedings in London, Paris, Geneva, The Hague and Hong Kong, covering contract terms, pricing, cargo damage, mill design and operational performance. Client material handled under strict confidentiality.
Advised on the privatisations of Erdemir (Türkiye), Nová Huť (Czech Republic) and Polskie Huty Stali (Poland), plus an 18-month integrated mill feasibility study for UK Government. View case studies → · 25+ year project experience record →
Think Tank Research
Our Insights Hub publishes independent policy analysis. Our editorial policy explains how rigour is maintained.
Recent Insights Reports
Prefer to listen? Our 12 steel industry podcasts cover scrap supply, EAF by-products, capacity utilisation and more.
Intelligence Resources
Proprietary databases give our advisory work its evidence base — built from primary sources with multi-stage verification, to a standard that supports investment decisions and expert witness testimony. See our research methodology.
- Capacity assessments & ownership
- Competitor maps for all regions
- Operational status tracking
- Cross-border deals & trends
- Steel company histories (50 major firms)
- Process-level cost benchmarking
- Cost models for any region or facility
- Freight cost data for major trade routes
Free to Use: Open Steel Industry Resources
Not everything here sits behind a project fee. The reference sets below are open to anyone, with no registration — the same sources our own consultants work from, and the ones most often cited in academic and government research.
12 steel-producing nations, each set out with its market structure, capacity position and trade exposure.
12 plain-English explainers of the processes, products and terms that sit behind the data.
7 calculators and converters for the quick cost, capacity and conversion questions that come up mid-analysis.
50 major steelmakers traced through ownership, investment and restructuring, decade by decade.
Also open: our 8 process engineering articles, plant location maps and latest steel news.
Why Independence Matters in Steel Analysis
| Capability | SteelOnTheNet Project fees | Price agencies Subscriptions | Trade associations Member-funded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert witness testimony | Court-testedFive jurisdictions | Conflicted | Not available |
| Government policy advisory | Fully independentDFID, EBRD, EU | Limited | Advocacy only |
| Challenging industry orthodoxy | PublishedNature, OECD, Parliament | Not possible | Not possible |
| Revenue model | 99% project feesNo subscriber ties | Subscription-led | Membership-led |
Key: Yes Limited No
Paid per project, not by the industry we assess, so our findings stand up in court. The evidence: the UK Register of Expert Witnesses, our case studies and citations by Nature, the European Commission and UK Parliament.
Steel Consulting Expertise & Authority
Leadership & Consultant Network
Dr Andrzej M Kotas (LinkedIn), founder and principal consultant, with 25+ years of steel sector experience across 48 countries. Full background and team → Our wider consultant network averages 20–25 years of operational experience, with leadership roles held at ArcelorMittal, British Steel, Corus and ThyssenKrupp, covering every major process route. Consultant profiles →
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FIMMMFellow, Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining
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UK Expert Witness RegisterInternational arbitration
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FICFellow, Institute of Consulting
- £1m professional indemnityUnderwritten by Hiscox
Client Validation
Also trusted by EBRD, Deloitte, the Czech Steel Federation and over 100 other organisations. View all client testimonials →
Academic & Institutional Recognition
Cited in peer-reviewed journals, development bank reports, and government policy documents.
Notable Citations Include:
Facing a Major Steel Decision?