This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) mining clay (except kaolin and ball), ceramic, or refractory minerals; (2) developing the mine site for clay, ceramic, or refractory minerals; and (3) beneficiating (i.e., preparing) clay (except kaolin and ball), ceramic, or refractory minerals.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Shaping, molding, baking, burning, or hardening clay and nonclay refractories, and structural clay products--are classified in Industry 32712, Clay Building Material and Refractories Manufacturing;
• Developing the mine site, mining, and/or beneficiating kaolin or ball clay--are classified in U.S. Industry 212324, Kaolin and Ball Clay Mining; and
• Shaping, molding, glazing, and firing pottery, ceramics, and plumbing fixtures--are classified in Industry 32711, Pottery, Ceramics, and Plumbing Fixture Manufacturing.