About MCI: Leading Metals & Mining Consultancy Since 2003
Metals Consulting International Limited (MCI) has been delivering independent metals and mining advisory services globally since 2003. Our team of industry professionals brings over 20 years of operational and consulting experience to every project, helping clients navigate complex technical, commercial, and strategic challenges across the metals value chain.
Our Foundation and Independence
Founded in 2003, Metals Consulting International Limited is incorporated under the 1985 Companies Act as a Limited Company registered in England and Wales. We are privately owned and completely independent from any industry players - we have no ties to banks, commodities traders, metal manufacturers, raw material suppliers, or plant and equipment suppliers.
This independence is fundamental to our value proposition. It means we offer impartial advice that is free of ties or restrictions to all corporate clients. Our recommendations are based solely on technical merit, market realities, and our clients' best interests.
Industry Recognition and Memberships
MCI's Managing Director participates in the OECD Steel Committee, contributing to international discussions on steel overcapacity challenges and policy issues. This engagement ensures that MCI stays at the forefront of global steel industry developments.
MCI is a member of the Institute of Consulting, where our consulting unit is a recognised practice. Our Managing Director, Dr. Andrzej Kotas, is a Fellow of both the Institute of Consulting [IC] and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining [IOM3], reflecting our commitment to professional standards and continuous development.
Andrzej specialises in modernisation and restructuring of the metals industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. His experience in this area was gained in the early 1990s working for Beddows & Company and later for Hatch Associates.
During his career, Andrzej has led many different consultant teams working on both national and corporate industry restructuring programmes, principally in Central Europe. He speaks fluent Polish and has extensive experience working with international development organisations including the European Commission, World Bank, and EBRD. Since 2021, Andrzej has been retained by EBRD as Steel Sector Specialist Consultant (via MCI), providing ongoing advisory support to the Manufacturing & Services team on steel portfolio risk, project due diligence, and decarbonisation strategy.
In 2003, Andrzej founded the steel industry news and information portal Steelonthenet.com. In 2017, he launched Steel Expert Witness, and following MCI's merger with Saint Barbara in 2020, expanded into non-ferrous litigation support through Metal Expert Witness.
Our Expert Team
MCI has assembled a team of metals industry professionals who specialise in market, technical, environmental and financial metal sector appraisals. Most of our consultants have 20-30 years of operational or consultancy experience, bringing deep practical knowledge to every engagement.
Technical Expertise
Raw materials (iron ore, pellets, coke, DRI)
Ironmaking and steelmaking processes
BOF, EAF and induction furnace operations
Carbon, alloy, and special steels
Casting and rolling - flat and long products
Coating technologies (GI, PPGI)
Steel plant maintenance and modernisation
Technology selection and evaluation
Commercial & Analytical Skills
Steelmaking cost models and benchmarking
Viability appraisal and business planning
Steel distribution and service centres
Market analysis and forecasting
Labour force restructuring
Financial modelling and valuation
Risk assessment and mitigation
Strategic planning and implementation
Non-Ferrous Metals Expertise
Our capabilities extend beyond steel to include comprehensive expertise in non-ferrous metals:
Base metals: Aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel
Precious metals: Gold, silver, platinum group metals (PGMs)
Over the past 20 years, MCI's consulting professionals have worked for a diverse range of clients including:
National governments and government bodies
The European Commission
International development organisations — including a current retained advisory appointment with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Private sector banks and investment funds
Legal advisers and law firms
Metals company buyers and sellers
Operating metals companies
Our work has centred on steel and metals businesses across Western, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and Asia. This global reach, combined with our deep local market knowledge, enables us to provide culturally aware and technically sound advice regardless of project location.
Global Project Portfolio
Global Reach & Experience
20+ years of metals and mining consulting experience since 2003
30+ countries across Western, Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, and Asia
Diverse client base: National governments, European Commission, World Bank, EBRD (current retained appointment), private banks, investment funds, and operating companies
Selected Recent Assignments
Greenfield Steel Plant Feasibility - Ethiopia
Client: UK Government / Government of Ethiopia Scope: Multi-million tonne integrated iron and steel works including market study, technology assessment, site selection and viability planning Duration: 18 months Deliverables: Several 100-page written reports & financial models
Steel Plant Due Diligence - Turkey
Client: Private Turkish client Scope: Market, technical and environmental pre-privatisation due diligence for Turkey's leading flat product steelworks (Erdemir) Duration: 2 months Deliverables: Full written report plus financial projections
European Commission Steel Restructuring
Client: European Commission Scope: National Steel Restructuring Programmes and Company Business Plans for EU candidate states. Led by Dr. Andrzej Kotas with multidisciplinary teams Duration: Multiple assignments, 4-6 months each Deliverables: Business viability plans, capacity closure assessments, State Aid proportionality analysis. Cited in academic research and policy documents
Steel Rolling Mill Feasibility - Nigeria
Client: Leading international bank Scope: Market, technical and financial due diligence for established African firm's vertical integration project Duration: 2 months Deliverables: 60-page report with financial model and presentation
Performance Improvement - GCC Aluminium Producer
Client: Confidential Gulf-based client Scope: Profit improvement through identification of performance enhancement opportunities for aluminium reroller Duration: 2 months Deliverables: Quantified improvement initiatives and implementation roadmap
Copper Pipe Mill Investment Support
Client: US-based manufacturing firm Scope: Market feasibility, contract review and technical commissioning support for Middle East copper pipe mill Duration: 24 months Deliverables: Revenue forecasts, technical reviews, periodic site visits
These examples represent a selection of our recent work. Client testimonials and additional case studies are available upon request.
Explore MCI's Capabilities
Learn more about our comprehensive services and resources:
Our Services:
Feasibility Studies, Due Diligence, Business Restructuring, Expert Witness Support
"Our consultants can take you from concept to completion" - This philosophy drives everything we do. Whether you're evaluating a greenfield investment, conducting due diligence on an acquisition, restructuring operations, or requiring expert witness support, MCI provides the technical depth, commercial insight, and practical experience to guide your decision-making.
Why Choose MCI?
Independence: No conflicts of interest - advice based purely on merit
Experience: 20+ years serving the global metals industry
Expertise: Deep technical and commercial knowledge across all metal sectors
Global reach: Projects completed in 30+ countries
Proven track record: Successful completion of dozens of assignments (testimonials can be provided on request)
Professional standards: Members of leading industry bodies
Practical approach: Solutions that work in the real world
