21311 - Support Activities for Mining
When it comes to the mining industry, numerous specialized services contribute to the successful extraction of valuable minerals and resources. One key category within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is NAICS code 21311 - Support Activities for Mining. This code plays a vital role in identifying businesses that provide essential support services such as exploration, drilling, and site preparation, making mining operations possible and efficient.
What is NAICS Code 21311?
NAICS code 21311 is designated for establishments engaged in Support Activities for Mining. These businesses perform functions that support mining operations but do not directly extract minerals themselves. Services under this classification include geological and geophysical exploration, drilling for mine development, and preparing mining sites.
Key Aspects of NAICS Code 21311:
- Performs exploration and mining support services.
- Facilitates extraction by preparing sites and conducting surveys.
- Provides drilling and other specialized contracting services.
Sector Overview: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
NAICS 21311 falls under the broad sector of Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (Sector 21). This sector includes industries engaged in the extraction of minerals, oil, gas, and other geological materials. Support activities under NAICS 21311 are critical for enabling these primary operations to proceed smoothly.
Typical Business Activities in NAICS 21311:
- Geophysical Surveying Services: Utilization of seismic, magnetic, and other survey methods to locate mineral deposits.
- Drilling Contractors: Performing core drilling, rotary drilling, and other drilling techniques required for mining exploration and development.
- Mine Site Preparation Services: Clearing, grading, and preparing land for mining operations.
Size Standards for NAICS 21311
Understanding size standards is essential for small businesses aiming to qualify for government contracting opportunities under this NAICS code. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sets size standards based on either average annual receipts or the number of employees.
| NAICS Code | Title | Size Standard - Average Annual Receipts | Size Standard - Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21311 | Support Activities for Mining | $16.5 million | N/A |
Businesses with average annual receipts not exceeding $16.5 million are considered small under this classification, which can open doors to preferential treatment in federal procurement and assistance programs.
Examples of Businesses Classified Under NAICS 21311
Businesses that fall under the NAICS code 21311 include:
- Companies providing geophysical and geological survey services to identify mineral locations.
- Drilling contractors specializing in mining exploration and shaft creation.
- Firms engaged in mine site preparation, including land clearing and underground development support.
- Specialized support service providers offering environmental sampling and core sample processing.
Summary Table of NAICS Code 21311 - Support Activities for Mining
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 21311 |
| Title | Support Activities for Mining |
| Sector | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction (Sector 21) |
| Description | Establishments performing exploration, drilling, and support services for mining operations |
| Size Standard | $16.5 million (average annual receipts) |
| Examples of Services | Geophysical surveying, drilling contractors, mine site preparation |
FAQ: NAICS Code 21311 - Support Activities for Mining
Q1: What types of companies are included in NAICS 21311?
A: Companies that provide exploration, drilling, survey, and mine preparation services supporting mining operations are included under NAICS code 21311.
Q2: Can a drilling contractor for oil and gas be classified under 21311?
A: No, drilling contractors primarily involved in oil and gas fall under a different NAICS code within sector 21. NAICS 21311 focuses on mining-related support activities.
Q3: What is the SBA size standard for a small business under this NAICS code?
A: The size standard is $16.5 million in average annual receipts.
Q4: Why is NAICS code 21311 important for government contracting?
A: It allows agencies to categorize and procure services related to mining support, and small businesses within this code can access specific federal contracting opportunities.
Q5: Are environmental services part of this NAICS code?
A: Environmental sampling as part of mine site support may be included, but specialized environmental consulting typically falls under different NAICS classifications.
Conclusion
NAICS code 21311 - Support Activities for Mining defines a critical niche in the mining sector that facilitates exploration, drilling, and operational readiness for extraction activities. Businesses operating under this code provide indispensable services that help mining endeavors succeed, and understanding the classification and size standards is crucial for companies seeking to capitalize on governmental and industry opportunities. Whether you are a business owner in mining services or a government contractor, mastering the details of NAICS 21311 will help you navigate the dynamic mining support industry effectively.
Optimize your mining support business by leveraging NAICS code 21311 for market visibility and government contracting advantages.
