212323 - Kaolin, Clay, and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining
Introduction
If you're involved in the mining industry, especially in the extraction of essential industrial minerals, understanding NAICS code 212323 is crucial. This code represents a specialized segment within the mining sector focused on kaolin, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals — key raw materials that serve a multitude of industrial applications. Whether you operate a kaolin mining company or a clay beneficiation business, this guide will offer valuable insights into this vital industry classification.
What is NAICS Code 212323?
NAICS code 212323 refers to establishments primarily engaged in the mining and beneficiating of kaolin, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals. These minerals are essential components in ceramics, refractories, paper, rubber products, and various other industrial applications. Mining operations under this code extract and process raw mineral deposits to meet industry demands.
Sector: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
This industry falls under the broader Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector, emphasizing resource extraction and preliminary processing. Companies classified under NAICS 212323 are vital suppliers to manufacturing sectors requiring raw mineral materials with specific properties for heat resistance, plasticity, and chemical stability.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Kaolin mining operations
- Clay extraction and beneficiation
- Refractory mineral mining and processing
- Mining and beneficiating other ceramic minerals such as ball clay, fire clay, and feldspar
Size Standards and Eligibility
For government contracting and SBA programs, the size standard for businesses under NAICS code 212323 is 650 employees. Companies with employee counts below this threshold may qualify as small businesses, making them eligible for various federal assistance and contracting opportunities.
Examples of Businesses and Activities Under NAICS 212323
- Kaolin mining companies producing raw kaolin for paper coating and ceramics
- Clay extraction businesses specializing in ball clay or fire clay mining
- Refractory mineral mining firms supplying materials for furnace linings and heat-resistant products
These businesses contribute substantially to industries such as construction, paper manufacturing, rubber and plastics, and refractory product production.
NAICS Code 212323 - Detailed Code Activities Table
| Mineral/Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Andalusite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction and processing of andalusite mineral |
| Aplite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of aplite rock for industrial use |
| Ball clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining soft clay used in ceramics and pottery |
| Bentonite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining absorbent clay minerals |
| Bleaching clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining clays used for bleaching oils and fats |
| Brucite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of brucite mineral (magnesium hydroxide) |
| Burley mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of burley mineral deposits |
| China clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of fine white clay used in ceramics |
| Clay bleaching | Process of refining clay by removing impurities |
| Clay mining and/or beneficiating | General clay mining operations |
| Clay, ball, mining and/or beneficiating | Focused on ball clay deposits |
| Clay, ceramic and refractory minerals mining and/or beneficiating | Mining minerals for refractories and ceramics |
| Clay, fire, mining and/or beneficiating | Fire clay extraction for heat-resistant materials |
| Clay, natural, mining and/or beneficiating | Mining natural clay deposits |
| Common clay mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of widely used clay types |
| Common shale mining and/or beneficiating | Mining shale except oil shale |
| Cornwall stone mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of specific mineral rock types |
| Cyanite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining kyanite (cylindrite) minerals |
| Diaspore mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of diaspore mineral |
| Dumortierite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of dumortierite mineral |
| Earth, fuller's mining and/or beneficiating | Mining natural bleaching clays |
| Feldspar mining and/or beneficiating | Mining feldspar used in glass and ceramics |
| Fire clay mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of refractory fire clays |
| Flint clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining silica-rich clay deposits |
| Fuller's earth mining and/or beneficiating | Mining clays for purification and absorption |
| Kaolin mining and/or beneficiating | Extracting and processing kaolin clays |
| Kyanite mining and/or beneficiating | Kyanite mineral mining |
| Laterite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of laterite deposits |
| Magnesite mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of magnesite mineral |
| Nepheline syenite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of nepheline syenite rock |
| Olivine, non-gem, mining and/or beneficiating | Mining olivine mineral used in refractory products |
| Paper clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining clays used specifically in paper manufacturing |
| Pegmatite, feldspar mining and/or beneficiating | Mining feldspar-rich pegmatites |
| Pinite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of pinite mineral deposits |
| Plastic fire clay mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of plastic fire-resistant clays |
| Refractory minerals mining and/or beneficiating | Mining minerals suitable for high-temperature uses |
| Rubber clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining clays used in rubber compounding |
| Shale (except oil shale) mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of shale rock excluding oil shale |
| Sillimanite mining and/or beneficiating | Mining sillimanite mineral |
| Slip clay mining and/or beneficiating | Mining clay used for slips in ceramics |
| Stoneware clay mining and/or beneficiating | Extraction of stoneware-type clays |
| Syenite, nepheline mining and/or beneficiating | Mining syenite and nepheline minerals |
| Topaz, non-gem mining and/or beneficiating | Mining of non-gem-quality topaz minerals |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does NAICS code 212323 cover?
It covers establishments primarily engaged in mining and beneficiation of kaolin, clay, ceramic, and refractory minerals used across industrial sectors.
Which sector does NAICS 212323 belong to?
It belongs to the Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector.
What kind of businesses fall under this NAICS code?
Typical businesses include kaolin mining operations, clay extraction firms, and refractory mineral mining companies.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 212323?
The size standard is 650 employees, meaning companies employing fewer than this may qualify as small businesses.
Why are these minerals important?
Kaolin, clay, and refractory minerals are essential in ceramics, paper coating, refractories, rubber, and other industrial products requiring specialized raw materials.
Conclusion
NAICS code 212323 defines a vital mining niche focusing on kaolin, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals. Understanding its scope, sector classification, size standards, and related business activities can help companies navigate government contracting, market analysis, and industry benchmarks effectively. If your business operates within these mining activities, staying informed about this NAICS code is key to maximizing growth opportunities and compliance.
Keywords: NAICS code 212323, kaolin mining, clay extraction, refractory minerals mining, mining industry, industrial minerals, SBA size standards, government contracting, ceramic minerals, mining sector
