This article is analyzes the main patterns and features of formation, development and functioning Artinsky iron-making plant in the Zlatoust mining district at the beginning of the 20th century; statistical data that have not been previously unpublished introduced into scientific circulation. The problem of profitability of a state-owned mining plant in the early of the 20th century and some aspects of this topic partially studied in Russian historiography. As the main sources it was used statistical data of the mining industry in Russia for 1900–1910. The methodological basis of the work is the theory of modernization, the universal principles of scientific knowledge, historicism and a systematic approach, which ensured the reliability of the research. In the course of research the considered general information about the factory plant, blacksmithing, technical equipment and auxiliary facilities. This article focuses on analyzing efficiency by manufacturing iron, cast metal (steel and iron) and metal products in the Artinsky iron-making plant in 1900–1910. As it is known the maritime department was interested in buying iron for making anchors. Besides at the beginning of the 20th century Artinsky iron-making plant produced about 120–150 thousand pieces of scythes per year, however due to its high cost sales of scythes were limited. It has information about profitability Artinsky iron-making plant in 1900–1904 and in 1909–1911. Artinsky iron-making plant functioned owing to forest resources and the power of water, cheap labor. Demand reduction for iron and lack of orders forced the plant work exclusively for the private market. The research reveals that from 1901 in Artinsky plant fixed annual reduction productions for iron and from 1905 cast metal. By this time, plant it has not been solved the issue of the transfer plant into private hands and subsequent sale of products on the market. By the beginning of the 20th century technical equipment of the plant turned out of date. As a result of the research it is identified the main reasons for the plant’s unprofitability, disclosed the production volumes, outlined necessary measures to overcome the crisis and the future fate of the plant.