Mining

Description

This division includes all establishments primarily engaged in mining. The term mining is used in the
broad sense to include the extraction of minerals occurring naturally: solids, such as coal and ores;
liquids, such as crude petroleum; and gases such as natural gas. The term mining is also used in the
broad sense to include quarrying, well operations, milling (e.g., crushing, screening, washing, flotation),
and other preparation customarily done at the mine site, or as a part of mining activity.
Exploration and development of mineral properties are included. Services performed on a contract or
fee basis in the development or operation of mineral properties are classified separately but within this
division. Establishments which have complete responsibility for operating mines, quarries, or oil and gas
wells for others on a contract or fee basis are classified according to the product mined rather than as
mineral services.
Mining operations are classified, by industry, on the basis of the principal mineral produced, or, if there
is no production, on the basis of the principal mineral for which exploration or development work is in
process. The mining of culm banks, ore dumps, and tailing piles is classified as mining according to the
principal mineral product derived.