The series traces the discovery and use of metals, minerals, and energy resources through time and was shown in over twenty countries.
[5] Supported by the Rio Tinto group (via CRA Services Ltd)[6] it consisted of seven episodes, each an hour in duration.
[8] In 1986 the series was used by the University of Pennsylvania as a teaching aid and was available to other American institutions via the PBS Adult Learning Center.
[9] It continued to air on television in the USA through the late 1980s (often during prime time)[10][11][12][13][14] and early 1990s including on cable channel TLC in 1993[15] and 1994.
[16] The subject matter of the documentary series was covered in a book, also titled Out of the Fiery Furnace and also the work of Robert Raymond.