213115 - Support Activities for Nonmetallic Minerals (except Fuels) Mining
If you're involved in the mining sector or looking to enter this specialized industry, understanding NAICS code 213115 is essential. This code pertains to Support Activities for Nonmetallic Minerals (except Fuels) Mining, a critical subset within the broader mining and minerals extraction industry. Whether you are a business owner, contractor, or government agency, knowing what this industry classification entails can open doors to new contracts and opportunities.
What is NAICS Code 213115?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 213115 defines:
Support Activities for Nonmetallic Minerals (except Fuels) Mining
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in performing various support activities on a contract or fee basis for the mining of nonmetallic minerals excluding fuels such as coal or oil. These support activities include exploration, drilling, blasting, tunneling, mine development, and pumping or draining operations specifically tailored to facilitate the extraction process of nonmetallic minerals.
Sector Overview: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
NAICS 213115 falls under the broader Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector. This sector is vital for providing essential raw materials that fuel multiple industries, including construction, manufacturing, and technology.
Typical businesses under this sector for code 213115 focus exclusively on nonmetallic minerals like:
- Sand
- Gravel
- Stone
- Clay
- Phosphates
- Potash
- Other industrial minerals (excluding fuels)
Size Standard for NAICS 213115
To qualify under this classification for small business considerations, the size standard is:
- $20.5 million dollars (average annual receipts)
Businesses must meet or fall below this revenue cap to be considered a small business per SBA criteria in this sector.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 213115
Businesses operating under NAICS code 213115 engage in a variety of specialized support roles for nonmetallic mineral mining ventures, including:
- Exploration services for identifying mineral deposits (excluding geophysical surveying and mapping)
- Drilling services (including prospect and test drilling)
- Blasting services to aid mineral extraction
- Mine shaft sinking and tunneling operations
- Pumping and draining of mines
- Removal and stripping of overburden (nonmetallic minerals)
- Mine development activities on a contract basis
These activities help mining companies efficiently and safely extract valuable nonmetallic minerals.
Examples of Businesses in NAICS 213115
- Contract drilling companies specializing in nonmetallic minerals (e.g., aggregate mining)
- Exploration service providers conducting on-site mineral assessments (excluding geophysical surveys)
- Blasting and tunneling contractors supporting quarry operations
- Mining support firms handling mine shaft sinking and overburden removal
NAICS 213115 Code Details Table
| Activity Description | Contract Basis | Included / Excluded Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blasting services for nonmetallic minerals mining (except fuels) | Yes | Supports mineral extraction |
| Boring test holes for mineral exploration (except fuels) | Yes | Drilling for testing mineral deposits |
| Draining or pumping of nonmetallic mineral mines (except fuels) | Yes | Mine water control responsibilities |
| Drilling services for nonmetallic mineral mining (except fuels) | Yes | Includes prospect and test drilling |
| Exploration services (except geophysical surveying and mapping) | Yes | Contract-based mineral evaluations |
| Mine shaft sinking services (except fuels) | Yes | Support mining infrastructure development |
| Mine tunneling services (except fuels) | Yes | Tunnel construction for mineral extraction |
| Nonmetallic minerals mine development (excluding site prep & related construction) | Yes | Includes underground & surface mine development |
| Nonmetallic minerals mining support services (e.g., blasting, shaft sinking, tunneling) | Yes | Excludes geophysical surveying, site prep, construction, transport |
| Overburden removal for nonmetallic minerals mining (except fuels) | Yes | Removing surface layers covering mineral deposits |
| Prospect and test drilling services for nonmetallic mineral mining (except fuels) | Yes | Core sampling and prospecting operations |
| Pumping or draining nonmetallic mineral mines (except fuels) | Yes | Water removal to maintain mine operations |
| Removal and stripping of overburden for nonmetallic minerals mining (except fuels) | Yes | Prepares site for mineral extraction |
| Test drilling for nonmetallic minerals mining (except fuels) | Yes | Assessing mineral quality and quantity |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of minerals fall under NAICS 213115?
This code covers nonmetallic minerals such as sand, gravel, stone, clay, phosphate, potash, and other similar industrial minerals. It specifically excludes fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas.
Does NAICS 213115 include site preparation and construction?
No, site preparation and related construction activities are excluded from this code.
Can businesses engaged in geophysical surveying fall under this NAICS code?
No, geophysical surveying and mapping services are excluded and classified under different NAICS codes.
What is the revenue limit for small businesses under this NAICS?
The size standard is $20.5 million in average annual receipts.
Is drilling on a contract or fee basis included in this NAICS code?
Yes, drilling services including test, prospect, and general drilling for nonmetallic minerals on a contract basis are included.
Conclusion
NAICS code 213115 defines a vital niche within the mining sector focusing on support activities tailored for the extraction of nonmetallic minerals — excluding fuels. From exploration and drilling to blasting and mine shaft sinking, businesses under this code provide indispensable services that keep nonmetallic minerals mining operations running smoothly.
For companies aiming to secure contracts or identify their industry classification, understanding NAICS 213115 helps ensure compliance, opens new business opportunities, and provides clarity on industry-specific size standards.
Keywords: NAICS code 213115, support activities for nonmetallic minerals mining, nonmetallic minerals extraction, mining support services, drilling services, blasting services, mine tunneling, exploration services, nonmetallic minerals mining sector, small business size standards mining
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