212311 - Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying
Introduction
When it comes to the mining and quarrying of natural stone used in construction and architectural designs, NAICS code 212311 plays a pivotal role. This specialized industry focuses on extracting dimension stone—like granite, marble, and limestone—that forms the backbone of many building and ornamental projects. Understanding NAICS 212311 is crucial for businesses, contractors, and government entities involved in the mining sector as well as for those seeking industry classification for contracting and regulatory purposes.
What is NAICS Code 212311?
NAICS code 212311 is designated for Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in developing mine sites and extracting dimension stone in the form of blocks or slabs. The stone mined is usually high-quality granite, marble, limestone, and several other varieties, often used for construction, countertops, tiles, monuments, and other architectural applications.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on dimension stone extraction
- Extracted materials are typically used as blocks or slabs
- Serves the construction and architectural industries
- Involves quarrying and mining techniques tailored to hard stone extraction
Sector Information
Sector: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
NAICS 212311 falls under the broader Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector. This sector includes establishments involved in the extraction of natural resources such as minerals, metals, coal, stone, and petroleum products. Dimension stone mining plays an essential role in supplying raw materials for infrastructure and decorative purposes.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 212311
Businesses classifiable under NAICS 212311 include:
- Granite quarrying operations
- Marble mining companies
- Limestone dimension stone extraction businesses
- Extraction of other dimension stones like gneiss, diorite, sandstone, and travertine
These businesses typically perform the following activities:
- Site development and preparation for mining/quarrying
- Extraction of stone blocks or slabs
- Processing some initial cuts or finishes on-site before transport
- Transportation of dimension stone to fabrication or distribution centers
Size Standards for NAICS 212311
To qualify under the small business size standard for NAICS 212311, an establishment must have 500 or fewer employees. This size standard affects eligibility for certain federal contracts, small business programs, and loans related to mining and quarrying industries.
Code Details: Types of Stone Mined or Quarried
NAICS 212311 encompasses a wide range of dimension stones mined or quarried. The table below lists all detailed codes and stone types included:
| Stone Type | Mining or Quarrying Activity |
|---|---|
| Argillite | Argillite mining or quarrying |
| Basalt | Basalt mining or quarrying |
| Bluestone | Bluestone mining or quarrying |
| Calcareous Tufa | Calcareous tufa mining or quarrying |
| Diabase | Diabase mining or quarrying |
| Dimension Stone | Dimension stone mining or quarrying |
| Diorite | Diorite mining or quarrying |
| Dolomite | Dolomite mining or quarrying |
| Dolomitic Marble | Dolomitic marble mining or quarrying |
| Flagstone | Flagstone mining or quarrying |
| Gabbro | Gabbro mining or quarrying |
| Gneiss | Gneiss mining or quarrying |
| Granite | Granite mining or quarrying |
| Greenstone | Greenstone mining or quarrying |
| Limestone | Limestone mining or quarrying |
| Marble | Marble mining or quarrying |
| Mica Schist | Mica schist mining or quarrying |
| Onyx Marble | Onyx marble mining or quarrying |
| Quartzite Dimension Stone | Quartzite dimension stone mining or quarrying |
| Sandstone | Sandstone mining or quarrying |
| Schist, Mica | Schist, mica, mining or quarrying |
| Serpentine | Serpentine mining or quarrying |
| Slate | Slate mining or quarrying |
| Stone, Dimension | Stone, dimension, mining or quarrying |
| Syenite (except Nepheline) | Syenite (except nepheline) mining or quarrying |
| Trap Rock | Trap rock mining or quarrying |
| Travertine | Travertine mining or quarrying |
| Tufa, Calcareous | Tufa, calcareous, mining or quarrying |
| Verde' Antique | Verde' antique mining or quarrying |
| Volcanic Rock | Volcanic rock, mining or quarrying |
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 212311
- ABC Granite Quarries Inc. – Specializes in granite block extraction and supplies to building contractors.
- Marble Valley Mining Co. – Mines high-quality marble for use in countertops and decorative stone products.
- Limestone Builders Supply – Extracts dimension limestone for construction and landscaping projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is dimension stone mining?
Dimension stone mining refers to the excavation of natural stone blocks or slabs that are cut and finished to specific sizes for architectural or structural use, as opposed to crushed stone used in aggregates.
What kinds of stone fall under NAICS 212311?
NAICS 212311 includes a wide variety of stones such as granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, travertine, basalt, and many others, primarily those usable as dimension stone.
How many employees can a company have to be considered small under NAICS 212311?
The small business size standard for NAICS 212311 is 500 employees or fewer.
What industries use dimension stone?
Dimension stone is widely used in construction, building facades, monuments, countertops, flooring tiles, and architectural sculptures.
Is quarrying different from mining in this context?
While the terms are related, quarrying generally refers to extracting stone from open pits, whereas mining can include underground operations. NAICS 212311 covers both forms as long as the activity focuses on dimension stone extraction.
Conclusion
NAICS code 212311 — Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying — represents a vital segment of the mining sector that fuels various construction and architectural industries with essential natural stone materials. From granite to marble and limestone, this industry’s diverse range of stone mining activities supports countless projects nationwide. Whether you’re a business owner, government contractor, or industry stakeholder, understanding NAICS 212311’s scope, code details, and eligibility standards is key to navigating this specialized mining sector effectively.
Keywords: NAICS 212311, Dimension Stone Mining, Dimension Stone Quarrying, Granite Mining, Marble Mining, Limestone Extraction, Mining Sector NAICS Codes, Small Business Size Standards, Mining and Quarrying Industry, Architectural Stone Suppliers
