Description of Industries and Summary of Findings

INDUSTRY 1011, IRON ORES

This industry is made up of establishments primarily engaged in the mining,
beneficiating, or otherwise preparing iron ores. This industry includes
production of sinter and other agglomerates, except those associated with
blast furnace operations.

In the 1992 Census of Mineral Industries, Industry 1011, Iron Ores, had
employment of 8.7 thousand. The employment figure was 23 percent above the
7.1 thousand reported in 1987. The total value of shipments and receipts
for the industry was $1.7 billion in 1992. The value added by mining was
$985.4 million in 1992. Value added per employee was $113.3 thousand in
1992; it was $108.2 thousand in 1987.

The total cost of supplies used by establishments classified in this
industry amounted to $782.3 million, while the cost of selected supplies,
minerals received for preparation, and purchased machinery installed
amounted to $401.8 million and is shown in file NC92F7. The total cost of
fuels used in this industry amounted to $86.6 million in 1992. Data on
specific fuels used also appear in file NC92F7.

Single-establishment companies in this industry with up to 18 employees
were excluded from the mail portion of the census. The data for these
establishments (and a small number of larger establishments whose reports
were not received at the time the data were tabulated) were imputed as
described above. These establishments accounted for less than 1 percent of
the total value of shipments and receipts.