212312 - Crushed and Broken Limestone Mining and Quarrying
Introduction
If you're involved in mining or quarrying operations focused on limestone, understanding NAICS code 212312 is essential. This specific code identifies establishments engaged in the extraction of crushed and broken limestone used extensively across sectors like construction, road building, and cement manufacturing. For businesses targeting government contracts or market research, knowing the details of NAICS 212312 can unlock numerous opportunities in the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector.
What is NAICS Code 212312?
NAICS code 212312 designates the industry primarily engaged in crushed and broken limestone mining and quarrying. This involves producing raw crushed limestone that serves as a key material in:
- Construction projects
- Road base and aggregate
- Cement production
This industry includes operations that extract and beneficiate various forms of limestone and related calcareous materials. These stones can be mined on a large scale or processed in beneficiation plants where they are ground or pulverized.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
Sector:
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
Within this sector, businesses under NAICS 212312 focus on:
- Mining limestone from quarries or open pits
- Crushing and breaking the limestone into usable sizes
- Beneficiating limestone by grinding or pulverizing for construction or industrial use
Typical Business Types and Activities:
- Limestone quarries extracting construction-grade limestone
- Crushed stone mining operations supplying aggregate for roads and infrastructure
- Producers of raw materials for cement plants
- Limestone beneficiation plants
Size Standards for Eligibility
Under SBA (Small Business Administration) size standards, the typical employee threshold for eligibility in NAICS 212312 is 750 employees or fewer. This criterion is crucial for businesses seeking small business set-aside contracts or certifications.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 212312
- Quarry operators specializing in crushed limestone products
- Companies mining agricultural limestone for soil treatment
- Firms producing ground limestone for cement manufacturing
- Businesses extracting specialty limestone materials such as travertine or dolomite
Detailed Code Breakdown
| Specific Industry Activities | Description |
|---|---|
| Agricultural limestone mining and/or beneficiating | Mining and processing limestone for agricultural uses |
| Calcareous tufa crushed and broken stone mining | Extracting and breaking calcareous tufa stone |
| Cement rock crushed and broken stone mining | Procuring limestone specifically for cement production |
| Chalk crushed and broken stone mining | Mining chalk and processing broken stone |
| Chalk, ground or otherwise treated, mining | Beneficiating and grinding chalk stone |
| Dolomite crushed and broken stone mining | Mining and breaking dolomite rock |
| Lime rock, ground, mining | Mining and grinding limestone for lime production |
| Limestone (except bituminous) crushed and broken stone | Extraction of limestone excluding bituminous varieties |
| Limestone beneficiating plants | Grinding or pulverizing limestone |
| Marl crushed and broken stone mining | Mining marl stone and breaking it |
| Riprap, limestone, mining or quarrying | Producing riprap stones from limestone |
| Riprap, limestone, preparation plants | Facilities preparing limestone riprap |
| Travertine crushed and broken stone mining | Mining travertine and producing crushed stone |
| Tufa, calcareous, crushed and broken stone mining | Extracting calcareous tufa stone |
| Whiting crushed and broken stone mining | Mining of white-colored limestone known as whiting |
FAQ Section
What is crushed and broken limestone used for?
Crushed and broken limestone is mainly used in construction (road base, concrete aggregate), cement manufacturing, agriculture (soil conditioning), and as a raw material for lime and other industrial processes.
Can a company with more than 750 employees fall under NAICS 212312?
Yes, but SBA size standards for small business eligibility in this industry specify a limit of 750 employees or fewer.
Are all limestone mining businesses included under NAICS 212312?
No. This code specifically covers establishments focused on crushed and broken limestone mining and quarrying. Other limestone-related activities might fall under different codes.
How can NAICS code 212312 help in government contracting?
This NAICS code helps businesses identify applicable contracts and programs for limestone mining and quarrying. It ensures companies target the right government solicitations and comply with eligibility requirements.
Is beneficiation included in this industry?
Yes. Beneficiation activities such as grinding, pulverizing, and preparing limestone for commercial use are included under NAICS 212312.
Optimizing your understanding of NAICS code 212312 - Crushed and Broken Limestone Mining and Quarrying puts you in the right position to grow your business, explore government contracting, and thrive in the mining and quarrying sector. Whether you're operating a limestone quarry or beneficiation plant, this industry classification helps define your niche and connect you with key opportunities.
