NAICS 2123

Nonmetallic Mineral Mining & Quarrying

NAICS 2123: Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying including stone, sand, gravel, clay, gypsum extraction and processing for construction and industrial use.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 2123 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
90K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
5,293
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$7.4B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$82,315
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$36.3B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying encompasses the extraction and basic processing of nonmetallic minerals used across numerous industries. This sector includes operations that extract stone, sand, gravel, clay, gypsum, salt, phosphate rock, and other nonmetallic minerals from the earth. These raw materials serve as essential inputs for construction, agriculture, chemicals, glass manufacturing, and numerous other industrial applications. The industry plays a critical economic role by providing foundational materials that support infrastructure development, building construction, and manufacturing sectors. Operations range from small independent quarries to large regional producers, with significant geographic variation in activity based on local geology and proximity to end-use markets.

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Industry Trends

01

Increased demand for aggregate materials driven by infrastructure spending and construction activity, particularly in response to government investment in transportation and public works projects.

02

Growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance, including restoration requirements, dust control measures, and wildlife habitat mitigation in mining operations.

03

Expansion of recycled aggregate usage as construction and demolition waste processing provides cost-effective alternatives to virgin mineral extraction.

GPS

Technological adoption in quarrying operations including GPS-guided equipment, automated processing systems, and real-time inventory management to improve efficiency and safety.

05

Consolidation trends among smaller operators as larger companies acquire regional producers to achieve economies of scale and expand geographic service territories.

Specialty Reports Available on Request

12 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Dimension Stone Mining & Quarrying
212311View →
Crushed & Broken Limestone Mining & Quarrying
212312View →
Crushed & Broken Granite Mining & Quarrying
212313View →
Other Crushed & Broken Stone Mining & Quarrying
212319View →
Construction Sand & Gravel Mining
212321View →
Industrial Sand Mining
212322View →
Kaolin & Ball Clay Mining
212324View →
Clay & Ceramic & Refractory Minerals Mining
212325View →
Potash, Soda, & Borate Mineral Mining
212391View →
Phosphate Rock Mining
212392View →
Other Chemical & Fertilizer Mineral Mining
212393View →
All Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining
212399View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

212310 reports

Stone Mining & Quarrying

212320 reports

Sand, Gravel, Clay, & Ceramic & Refractory Minerals Mining & Quarrying

212390 reports

Other Nonmetallic Mineral Mining & Quarrying

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 2123? ▾
NAICS 2123 classifies establishments primarily engaged in extracting and processing nonmetallic minerals, excluding fuels and metals. This includes crushed stone, sand and gravel operations, clay mining, salt mining, phosphate rock extraction, and similar nonmetallic mineral extraction activities. The classification encompasses both basic extraction operations and facilities that perform limited processing such as crushing, screening, and washing at the mine site.
What are the primary products extracted in nonmetallic mineral mining? ▾
The industry produces diverse nonmetallic minerals including crushed and dimension stone, sand and gravel, clay and shale, gypsum, salt, phosphate rock, potash, soda ash, boron minerals, and other nonmetallic commodities. Stone products dominate by volume and include limestone, granite, basalt, and other aggregates essential for concrete, asphalt, and construction applications. Different regions specialize in specific minerals based on geological availability and market proximity.
How do environmental regulations impact nonmetallic mineral mining operations? ▾
Environmental regulations significantly influence operational costs and site planning, requiring operators to implement dust suppression measures, manage stormwater runoff, obtain permits for habitat areas, and restore sites after extraction concludes. Compliance demands skilled environmental management, increased monitoring, and capital investment in pollution control equipment. These regulatory requirements have driven industry consolidation as smaller operators struggle with compliance complexity and associated costs.
What factors determine the location of nonmetallic mineral operations? ▾
Location is primarily determined by geological deposits and proximity to end-use markets, as transportation costs substantially impact product economics given the low value-to-weight ratio of most nonmetallic minerals. Regional construction activity, infrastructure projects, and local demand for specific minerals drive operational decisions. Access to rail, barge, or highway transportation networks significantly influences profitability and market competitiveness.
How does nonmetallic mineral mining differ from metallic mining? ▾
Nonmetallic mineral mining generally involves lower-grade deposits extracted in larger volumes at shallower depths compared to metallic mining, which targets higher-value ore requiring more intensive processing. Nonmetallic operations typically have lower capital requirements and shorter payback periods but operate on narrower margins due to commodity pricing. Environmental impacts and regulatory frameworks also differ significantly between the two sectors.

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