This article considers the issues related to the prehistory of the Urals metallurgical industry. It is shown that its establishment was not accidental. The most favorable conditions for metallurgy development existed exactly in the Urals, namely there were large amounts of ore deposits, abundant forests and rivers suitable for dams and ponds arrangement. The production was completely supplied with local raw materials, fuel and energy. Therefore, the government, building the plants, was guided by the awareness of the richness of the land, availability of local manufacturing experience and communication lines. The depletion of mining and forest resources of the steel industry in Central Russia at the beginning of the 18th century; wars led by Peter the Great along with his transformations sharpened the need for metal and, first of all, for qualitative iron. The critical state was overcome due to rapid development of natural resources in the Urals.