Industries in the Mining (except Oil and Gas) subsector primarily engage in mining, mine site development, and beneficiating (i.e., preparing) metallic minerals and nonmetallic minerals, including coal. The term "mining" is used in the broad sense to include ore extraction, quarrying, and beneficiating (e.g., crushing, screening, washing, sizing, concentrating, and flotation), customarily done at the mine site.
Beneficiation is the process whereby the extracted material is reduced to particles which can be separated into mineral and waste, the former suitable for further processing or direct use. The operations that take place in beneficiation are primarily mechanical, such as grinding, washing, magnetic separation, centrifugal separation, and so on. In contrast, manufacturing operations primarily use chemical and electrochemical processes, such as electrolysis, distillation, and so on. However some treatments, such as heat treatments, take place in both stages: the beneficiation and the manufacturing (i.e., smelting/refining) stages. The range of preparation activities varies by mineral and the purity of any given ore deposit. While some minerals, such as petroleum and natural gas, require little or no preparation, others are washed and screened, while yet others, such as gold and silver, can be transformed into bullion before leaving the mine site.
Establishments in the Mining (except Oil and Gas) subsector include those that have complete responsibility for operating mines and quarries (except oil and gas wells) and those that operate mines and quarries (except oil and gas wells) for others on a contract or fee basis. Establishments primarily engaged in providing support services, on a contract or fee basis, required for the mining and quarrying of minerals are classified in Subsector 213, Support Activities for Mining.
The NAICS 212 Mining (except Oil and Gas) industry is observing several qualitative trends that could significantly impact its trajectory in the near future. There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Mining companies are increasingly adopting greener technologies and practices to minimize their ecological footprint. This includes innovations in waste management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and securing better water management systems. These trends are not only regulatory-driven but also influenced by shifting investor and consumer expectations.
Moreover, another notable trend is the burgeoning integration of advanced technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, to enhance operational efficiency and safety. These technologies are being utilized for predictive maintenance, resource estimation, and optimizing supply chains. The adoption of data analytics is also aiding in better decision-making and risk management.
Looking ahead, the demand for critical minerals, particularly those used in green technologies like electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy infrastructure, is expected to surge. This will likely drive significant investment in the exploration and development of lithium, cobalt, and rare earth element deposits. However, the industry will face challenges related to regulatory changes, geopolitical risks, and supply chain disruptions.
In summary, the near future of the NAICS 212 industry appears to be shaped by sustainability initiatives, technological advancements, and a robust demand for critical minerals, potentially leading to both opportunities and challenges for mining companies.
A review and comparison of financial performance of privately-help companies in specified SIC/NAICS industry segment, using industry standard benchmarks.
Answers come easily with iCFO. Review ROI, sales per employee, profit margins of the top 10%, top 25% and more, to identify areas of concern and opportunity. Examine what if scenarios and P&L impact of reducing costs or adding revenue.
It takes only five minutes to enter your data and produce a concise profile of your company’s fiscal state, including critical business ratios focusing on liquidity, profitability, asset efficiency, and growth.