This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in developing the mine site, mining, and/or beneficiating (i.e., preparing) ores valued chiefly for their copper, nickel, lead, or zinc content. Beneficiating includes the transformation of ores into concentrates.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

  • Refining copper concentrates--are classified in Industry 33141, Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining; and
  • Developing the mine site, mining, and/or beneficiating iron and manganiferous ores valued for their iron content--are classified in Industry 21221, Iron Ore Mining.