Clay & Ceramic & Refractory Minerals Mining
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 212325 directly.
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Official definition
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.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain.
Illustrative examples
- Bentonite mining and/or beneficiating
- Fuller's earth mining and/or beneficiating
- Common clay mining and/or beneficiating
- Magnesite mining and/or beneficiating
- Feldspar mining and/or beneficiating
- Nepheline syenite mining and/or beneficiating
- Fire clay mining and/or beneficiating
- Shale (except oil shale) mining and/or beneficiating
Which code does this activity belong in?
Establishments classified in this code mine and beneficiate clay minerals used in ceramics and refractories, such as bentonite, fuller's earth, fire clay, and common clay. The key distinction from Kaolin and Ball Clay Mining is that this code excludes kaolin and ball clay, which are higher-value specialty clays processed separately. Unlike Construction Sand and Gravel Mining and Industrial Sand Mining, which focus on sand and gravel extraction, this code covers ceramic and refractory mineral mining operations that produce materials for pottery, brick, and heat-resistant applications.