[ Economics, Raw Materials ]

Metals (Symbol: ) comprise primarily of common metals such as Copper, Iron and Aluminium, but may actually be any metal or alloy. Its primary function is as a construction material and it is a vital component for the creation of vehicles and space stations. Metals are easier to collect from planets that orbit near their star as the metals will be softer, and they can be found in planetary rings and asteroids.

Metals are mined in a Metals Zone and are used to produce Vehicles, Construction Materials and Consumer Goods. Additionally, they are used in the Capital Ships Special Good.

Metals are easier to process at high temperatures. Thus, Hot orbits give a +10 production bonus to each Metals Zone that lies in them. Likewise, they are harder to process at low temperatures and a -10 production penalty applies in Cold orbits.

Examples of specialisations for Metals are Durasteel and Copper.