NAICS 21232 - Sand, Gravel, Clay, and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining and Quarrying

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What is NAICS 21232

NAICS code 21232 encompasses establishments engaged in extracting and processing sand, gravel, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals. This industry includes mining, quarrying, and dredging operations as well as beneficiation processes such as washing, screening, and grinding these materials. Businesses operating in this sector typically develop mine sites and prepare raw materials essential for construction, manufacturing, and industrial applications. The minerals extracted under this code are foundational for a variety of products, including concrete, ceramics, refractories, and paper, making these operations critical to infrastructure and industrial supply chains. Government agencies contract these services to support public works, infrastructure development, environmental restoration, and other projects requiring high-quality mineral materials. The materials sourced through these contracts ensure durability and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Industry Classification for NAICS 21232

This industry comprises (1) establishments primarily engaged in developing the mine site and/or mining, quarrying, dredging for sand and gravel, or mining clay (e.g., china clay, paper clay and slip clay) or ceramic and refractory minerals and (2) preparation plants primarily engaged in beneficiating (e.g., washing, screening, and grinding) sand and gravel, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals.

Breakdown for NAICS 21232

  • Includes mining, quarrying, and dredging for sand, gravel, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals.
  • Covers beneficiation processes such as washing, screening, and grinding of raw mineral materials.
  • Applies to establishments developing mine sites and preparation plants.
  • Supports infrastructure, manufacturing, and environmental restoration projects.
  • Typical contract sizes range from small municipal to large federal procurements.
  • Subject to stringent environmental and safety regulatory compliance.

Included Activities for NAICS 21232

  • Developing and operating sand and gravel mining sites.
  • Extracting clay, including specialty types like china and paper clay.
  • Mining ceramic and refractory minerals for industrial use.
  • Beneficiating raw materials through washing, screening, and grinding.
  • Dredging operations to recover sand and gravel from water bodies.
  • Supplying materials for public works and construction projects.
  • Ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards.
  • Transporting and delivering mined and processed materials to project sites.

Business Types for NAICS 21232

  • Sand and gravel mining companies
  • Clay and ceramic mineral extraction firms
  • Refractory mineral mining operations
  • Mineral beneficiation and processing plants
  • Contract mining service providers
  • Quarry and dredging operators

Government Buyers for NAICS 21232

Federal, state, and local government agencies commonly procure sand, gravel, clay, and ceramic minerals for infrastructure projects including road construction, bridges, public buildings, and environmental remediation efforts. Agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and various state departments of natural resources rely on these materials to meet construction specifications and regulatory requirements. These agencies need these materials to ensure project durability, meet environmental standards, and support public safety. Additionally, government contracts often involve large volume purchases that require reliable, consistent supply from qualified mining and beneficiation establishments.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 21232

Contracts in this sector typically include firm-fixed-price and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, often awarded through competitive bidding processes. Procurement methods may involve invitations for bids (IFB) or requests for proposals (RFP) depending on project complexity and material specifications. Contract values can vary widely, from smaller local government contracts for municipal projects to multi-million dollar federal contracts supporting large-scale infrastructure programs. Long-term supply agreements are common, providing stable procurement pipelines for government agencies while ensuring consistent material availability. Performance bonds and strict compliance with environmental and safety regulations are standard contract requirements.

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