2123 - Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a vital tool for businesses, government agencies, and contractors navigating the industrial landscape. Among these codes, NAICS 2123 - Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying occupies a crucial role in the mining and extraction sector. This industry classification encompasses companies that mine and process essential nonmetallic minerals such as sand, gravel, stone, and clay—key materials driving construction, manufacturing, and a variety of industrial uses.

What is NAICS Code 2123?

NAICS 2123 covers establishments primarily engaged in the mining, quarrying, and beneficiation of nonmetallic minerals. Unlike metallic mining industries, this category focuses on extracting minerals that do not contain metals but are indispensable for infrastructure and various manufacturing sectors. These materials often serve as raw inputs in cement, ceramics, glass production, road construction, and landscaping.

Key Highlights:

• Primary Materials: Sand, gravel, stone, clay, ceramic minerals, and other nonmetallic minerals.
• Purpose: Raw materials for construction, industrial processes, manufacturing, and landscape architecture.
• Operations Included: Extraction, quarrying, beneficiation (processing to improve quality), and preparation of nonmetallic minerals.

Sector: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

NAICS 2123 falls under the broader sector of Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (NAICS 21). This sector comprises industries engaged in extracting naturally occurring mineral solids, liquid minerals, and gases. Specifically, NAICS 2123 focuses on:

• Nonmetallic mineral mining operations.
• Quarrying, such as stone and sand extraction.
• Beneficiation of these minerals to prepare them for use in industrial applications.

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 2123

Businesses classified under NAICS 2123 engage in a variety of activities, including but not limited to:

• Sand and gravel mining: Extracting aggregate materials for construction and road building.
• Stone quarrying: Removing natural stone like granite, limestone, marble, and slate.
• Clay and ceramic mineral mining: Harvesting materials used in ceramics, pottery, and other industrial processes.

Examples of Business Types

• Commercial sand pits and gravel quarries.
• Stone quarry operators supplying building stone.
• Clay and ceramic mineral extraction companies.

Size Standards for NAICS Code 2123

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) establishes size standards to determine eligibility for small business programs. For NAICS 2123, the size standard is typically defined as:

• Maximum of 500 employees for small business eligibility.

This threshold allows small to medium enterprises to qualify for government contracts and assistance programs under this NAICS code.

NAICS Code 2123 Details Table

NAICS Code	Title	Sector	Description	Size Standard (Employees)	Examples of Activities
2123	Nonmetallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying	Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction	Mining, quarrying, and beneficiation of nonmetallic minerals such as sand, gravel, stone, and clay	500	Sand and gravel mining, stone quarrying, clay & ceramic mineral mining

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What materials are included in NAICS 2123?

NAICS 2123 includes nonmetallic minerals such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, limestone, clay, ceramic minerals, and other similar materials.

Are companies mining metals covered under NAICS 2123?

No. Metallic mining is classified under different NAICS codes such as 2122 for metal ore mining. NAICS 2123 exclusively covers nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying.

What is beneficiation in the context of NAICS 2123?

Beneficiation refers to the processing or treatment of mined minerals to improve their quality or prepare them for market use, such as washing, crushing, or sorting.

Can small businesses qualify under NAICS 2123 for government contracting?

Yes. Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees are typically eligible under the SBA size standard for NAICS 2123, enabling them to participate in government contracting opportunities.

Which industries rely on products from NAICS 2123 businesses?

Key industries include construction, concrete and asphalt production, ceramics, glass manufacturing, landscaping, road building, and infrastructure development.

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Conclusion

If your business operates in nonmetallic mineral extraction or quarrying, NAICS code 2123 is essential for identifying your industry classification. Understanding this code is invaluable for government contracting, regulatory compliance, and market analysis. From sand and gravel mines to stone quarries and clay mineral extraction companies, NAICS 2123 encompasses critical players in the mining sector that supply foundational materials driving the economy forward.

By recognizing the nuances of NAICS 2123, including its size standards and operational scope, businesses can better position themselves in government programs and industry partnerships. Whether you’re a contractor, supplier, or policymaker, knowing NAICS 2123 helps demystify this fundamental segment of the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector.