About Us

Asarco's Globe Specialty Metals Plant operates as a business unit of ASARCO LLC.. The plant, located in Denver, Colorado, is the site of unique operations that produce high-purity metals, specialty compounds and alloys. The plant produces three main specialty metals product lines: assay chemicals, specialty alloys, and high-purity electronics.

ASARCO's century-long experience of refining high-purity metals is currently being applied to a number of innovative applications. 

One such application is bismuth selenide (Envirolloy^Ó), which is a silver-colored crystalline material produced by combining bismuth and selenium. It is a master alloy used to produce EnviroBrassÔ, a lead-free brass in the manufacture of water meters, faucets and other potable water carrying devices. Bismuth is a "friendly" metal widely used in pharmaceuticals, including a popular over-the-counter stomach remedy. Selenide is an essential dietary element and is found in dietary supplements and dandruff shampoo.

Bismuth selenide (Envirolloy^®) also is a popular substitute for lead in free-machining brasses. Since lead in brass pipes and plumbing fixtures is believed to affect drinking water quality, regulators are mandating removal of lead from some plumbing applications, prompting increasing use of bismuth alloys as a replacement.

Many of these uses are the result of research and development at the Globe plant. ASARCO holds patents for the production of bismuth oxide, bismuth selenide, and bismuth shot.

ASARCO's technical staff is available to provide technical assistance for all of its products. 
Click here for information on how to contact Asarco's staff.