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    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