21222 - Gold Ore and Silver Ore Mining

The mining industry plays a vital role in the global economy, and within this sector, the extraction of precious metals holds significant economic and strategic importance. NAICS code 21222, titled Gold Ore and Silver Ore Mining, specifically identifies establishments engaged in the exploration and extraction of gold and silver ores. If you’re involved in or exploring opportunities in precious metals mining, understanding this NAICS code is essential for business classification, government contracting, and compliance.

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What is NAICS Code 21222?

NAICS code 21222 refers to the industry segment comprising:

• Establishments primarily engaged in mining gold and silver ores
• Includes activities such as extraction, beneficiation, and preparation of gold and silver ores to ready them for further processing or sale

This classification is part of a broader industry group that relates to resource extraction.

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Sector Overview: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

NAICS 21222 falls under the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector (Sector 21). This sector covers establishments extracting naturally occurring mineral solids, liquid minerals, and gases. Within this sector, NAICS 21222 focuses on:

• Precious metals mining
• Mineral extraction operations
• Ore processing and beneficiation

Typical Business Activities in NAICS 21222

Businesses operating under this code often engage in:

• Gold mining operations: Prospecting, extraction, and initial processing of gold ore
• Silver ore extraction companies: Specialized mining of silver deposits
• Precious metal mining contractors: Contract services offering excavation and ore processing

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NAICS Code 21222 Details

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	21222
Title	Gold Ore and Silver Ore Mining
Sector	Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
Description	Establishments primarily engaged in mining gold and silver ores including extraction, beneficiation, and preparation for further processing
Typical Activities	Extraction of gold and silver ores, beneficiation, ore preparation
Size Standards	Vary by contracting agency; typically, small business size standard is 500 employees or less (confirm with SBA regulations)
Examples	Gold mining companies, silver ore extraction firms, precious metal mining subcontractors

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Size Standards for NAICS Code 21222

Understanding size standards is crucial for businesses seeking government contracts or SBA certifications. Most agencies adopt the Small Business Administration (SBA) standard for NAICS 21222 as:

• 500 employees or less to qualify as a small business, though this can vary by agency and contract type.

Always verify specific size standard requirements on official SBA or agency websites to ensure compliance.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 21222

Businesses that fit within this classification include:

• Nevada Gold Mines LLC: Large-scale gold extraction and processing operations
• Coeur Mining, Inc.: Specialized silver ore mining and development
• Local Precious Metal Mining Contractors: Small-to-medium companies providing mining services and ore preparation

These examples reflect the diversity from multinational corporations to specialized contractors.

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Why Is NAICS 21222 Important?

• Government contracting: Correct classification is essential to bid on mining contracts and receive certifications like 8(a) or HUBZone.
• Industry analysis: Understanding trends and statistics related to precious metal mining.
• Economic impact: Gold and silver mining contributes to job creation, export earnings, and resource supply chains globally.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does NAICS code 21222 cover?

It covers establishments primarily engaged in mining, extracting, and processing gold and silver ores.

2. What sector does NAICS 21222 belong to?

This code belongs to Sector 21: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction.

3. What are typical businesses under NAICS 21222?

Gold mining operations, silver ore extraction companies, and precious metal mining contractors.

4. What is the small business size standard for NAICS 21222?

Typically, businesses with 500 employees or fewer are considered small for this NAICS code.

5. How is NAICS code 21222 used?

It is used for government contracting, economic data analysis, business classification, and regulatory compliance.

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Final Thoughts

NAICS code 21222 is a critical identifier for businesses engaged in gold and silver ore mining. Whether you're an established precious metals miner, a contractor, or exploring government contracting opportunities, understanding this NAICS classification can open doors to new projects and help you comply with industry standards.

Stay informed and leverage the power of correct NAICS classification to position your business for success in the competitive mining sector.

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Keywords: NAICS 21222, Gold Ore Mining, Silver Ore Mining, Precious Metal Mining, Mining NAICS Codes, Government Contracting Mining, Mining Industry Classification, SBA Size Standards Gold Mining