Abstract: 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. The ferrous metal network has a density of 1.2 to 4.0 g/cc, a porosity of 50% to 85% and a short transverse tensile strength (S.T.T.S.) of at least 2 psi, preferably at least 2.5 psi.This ferrous metal network may be impregnated with magnesium in amount from 18 to 55% by weight of the impregnated body. The magnesium impregnated body is useful for treating high melting metals such as ferrous metal to reduce the sulphur content or to produce nodular iron.