Demand for silicon ferroalloys is driven principally by the production of cast iron and steel.   Silicon metal, which generally is produced like ferrosilicon in submerged-arc electric furnaces, is used not as a ferroalloy, but rather for alloying with aluminum and for production of chemicals, especially silicones. Small quantities of silicon are processed into high-purity silicon for use in the semiconductor industry.
End-users are, among others, automotive industry, construction and civil engineering, cosmetics and clothing industry and the manufacturers of semiconductors. polysilicon used in the manufacturing of semiconductors, integrated circuits, optical fiber, photovoltaic cells etc. Silicon metal is a vital part of the aluminum alloys used in casting applications.