a composition of matter comprising a mass of ferrous scrap pieces compressed together in random orientation forming a network of interlocking pieces has been prepared . this ferrous metal network is impregnated with rare earth metals in amount from 15 % to 80 % by weight of the impregnated body . the rare earth metal impregnated body is useful for treating high melting metals , particularly to deoxidize or desulfurize steel and to produce nodular iron .