212230 - Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining
The mining sector plays a crucial role in the global economy by supplying essential raw materials. Among the specialized classifications, NAICS Code 212230 stands out as it focuses on the extraction and processing of vital metal ores: copper, nickel, lead, and zinc. Whether you’re a contractor, business owner, or industry professional, understanding this NAICS code is essential for identifying relevant business opportunities, compliance requirements, and sector insights.
What is NAICS Code 212230?
NAICS Code 212230 pertains to Copper, Nickel, Lead, and Zinc Mining. This classification covers establishments primarily engaged in the mining and beneficiation of these metal ores. These activities include extraction from the earth, processing, and preparing metal ores for further manufacturing or refining.
Key aspects of NAICS 212230 include:
- Mining of copper, nickel, lead, and zinc ores.
- Beneficiation and preparation of metal ores.
- Development and operation of mine sites.
- Recovery of ore concentrates and precipitates.
This classification helps businesses and government agencies categorize operations accurately for regulatory, contracting, and statistical purposes.
Sector: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
NAICS 212230 is part of the broader sector:
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
This sector includes industries involved in extracting naturally occurring mineral solids, liquids, and gases. NAICS 212230 specifically zooms in on metallic ores critical for manufacturing, construction, electronics, and more.
Typical Business Activities and Examples
Business operations under NAICS 212230 typically involve:
- Copper mining operations
- Nickel ore extraction companies
- Lead and zinc mining enterprises
- Beneficiating plants focusing on ore processing
- Recovery and preparation of copper, nickel, lead, and zinc concentrates
These companies operate the mine sites and ensure the extracted metals are adequately processed for use in downstream industries.
Size Standards for NAICS 212230
According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the size standard for NAICS 212230 is 1,400 employees. This threshold determines a business’s eligibility for small business certifications and government contracting opportunities.
Detailed Code Activities for NAICS 212230
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Blende (zinc) mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and processing of zinc blende ore |
| Calamine mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and beneficiation of calamine ore |
| Cerussite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and processing of cerussite (lead carbonate) |
| Chalcocite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of chalcocite (copper sulfide mineral) |
| Chalcopyrite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and beneficiation of chalcopyrite (copper iron sulfide) |
| Copper beneficiating plants | Facilities processing raw copper ores |
| Copper ore concentrates recovery | Recovering copper concentrates from ore |
| Copper ore mine site development for own account | Development of copper mining sites for business use |
| Copper ores mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and processing copper ores |
| Copper-water precipitates | Processing of copper precipitates in solution |
| Cuprite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and beneficiation of cuprite (copper oxide) |
| Galena mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and processing galena (lead sulfide) |
| Lead ore mine site development for own account | Lead mine site operation and development |
| Lead ore mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and beneficiation of lead ores |
| Lead-zinc ore mining and/or beneficiating | Processing combined lead and zinc ores |
| Nickel concentrates recovery | Extracting nickel concentrates |
| Nickel ore beneficiating plants | Facilities for processing nickel ores |
| Nickel ore mine site development for own account | Development of nickel mines for own operation |
| Nickel ores mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and beneficiation of nickel ores |
| Smithsonite mining and/or beneficiating | Processing smithsonite (zinc carbonate) |
| Sphalerite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and beneficiation of sphalerite (zinc sulfide) |
| Willemite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and processing of willemite (zinc silicate) |
| Zinc ore mine site development for own account | Development and operation of zinc mines |
| Zinc ores mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and processing zinc ores |
| Zinc-blende (sphalerite) mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and beneficiation of zinc-blende ore |
| Zincite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of zincite (zinc oxide mineral) |
FAQ: NAICS Code 212230
Q1: What types of metals does NAICS 212230 cover?
A1: It covers copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining and beneficiation activities.
Q2: Which sector does NAICS 212230 belong to?
A2: It is part of the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector.
Q3: What is the SBA size standard for this NAICS code?
A3: The size standard is 1,400 employees.
Q4: Can a small business be certified under NAICS 212230?
A4: Yes, if the business operates under 1,400 employees, it can qualify as a small business for government contracting.
Q5: What are some examples of business activities under this code?
A5: Examples include copper mining operations, nickel ore extraction companies, and lead and zinc mining enterprises.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 212230 is essential for categorizing companies in the copper, nickel, lead, and zinc mining industry. Whether you are entering the mining sector, seeking government contracts, or studying market trends, understanding the scope, activities, and size standards of this code provides a significant competitive edge. Stay informed and leverage this knowledge to optimize your business strategy in the mining and extraction industry.
Keywords: NAICS 212230, copper mining, nickel mining, lead mining, zinc mining, mining sector, beneficiation, metal ore extraction, small business size standard
