On 27 March 2020, the World Refractories Association (WRA) released a position statement on the role of refractories as an essential industry. In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, the temporary closing of non-essential businesses and other efforts to keep COVID-19 from overwhelming hospital and healthcare facilities are creating challenges for many countries and across many industries. Governing bodies must keep essential businesses open that support health systems operations and guarantee public safety and national security. Refractories should be recognized as a critical industry that must continue to operate in a safe and responsible manner. Refractories play a critical role in the daily operations of almost every sector of manufacturing.