NAICS 327 - Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing

The Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing subsector is based on the transformation of mined or quarried nonmetallic minerals, such as sand, gravel, stone, clay, and refractory materials, into products for intermediate or final consumption. Processes used include grinding, mixing, cutting, shaping, and honing. Heat often is used in the process and chemicals are frequently mixed to change the composition, purity, and chemical properties for the intended product. For example, glass is produced by heating silica sand to the melting point (sometimes combined with cullet or recycled glass) and then drawn, floated, or blow molded to the desired shape or thickness. Refractory materials are heated and then formed into bricks or other shapes for use in industrial applications.

The Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing subsector includes establishments that manufacture bricks, refractories, ceramic products, and glass and glass products, such as plate glass and containers. Also included are cement and concrete products, lime, gypsum, and other nonmetallic mineral products including abrasive products, ceramic plumbing fixtures, statuary, cut stone products, and mineral wool. The products are used in a wide range of activities from construction and heavy and light manufacturing to articles for personal use.

Mining, beneficiating, and manufacturing activities often occur in a single location. Separate receipts will be collected for these activities whenever possible. When receipts cannot be broken out between mining and manufacturing, establishments that mine or quarry nonmetallic minerals, beneficiate the nonmetallic minerals, and further process the nonmetallic minerals into a more finished manufactured product are classified based on the primary activity of the establishment. A mine that manufactures a small amount of finished products is classified in Sector 21, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction. An establishment that mines whose primary output is a more finished manufactured product is classified in the Manufacturing sector.

Excluded from the Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing subsector are establishments that primarily beneficiate mined nonmetallic minerals. Beneficiation is the process whereby the extracted material is reduced to particles that can be separated into mineral and waste, the former suitable for further processing or direct use. Beneficiation establishments are included in Sector 21, Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction.

• Transforms mined nonmetallic minerals into finished or intermediate products.
• Includes manufacturing of bricks, glass, cement, ceramic and refractory products.
• Products serve construction, manufacturing, and consumer markets.
• Processes involve grinding, heating, mixing, cutting, and shaping minerals.
• Establishments may combine mining and manufacturing but are classified by primary activity.
• Excludes establishments focused solely on beneficiation of minerals.

• Manufacturing of bricks and refractory materials for industrial applications.
• Production of glass and glass products including container and plate glass.
• Fabrication of cement, concrete products, and related construction materials.
• Creation of ceramic plumbing fixtures and decorative statuary.
• Processing and shaping of cut stone products for building and landscaping.
• Manufacturing of mineral wool and other insulating materials.
• Mixing and chemical treatment of raw mineral inputs to enhance properties.
• Heat treatment and molding of silica sand into specialized glass shapes.

• Brick and refractory product manufacturers
• Glass and glass product manufacturers
• Cement and concrete product producers
• Ceramic and stone product fabricators
• Mineral wool and insulation manufacturers
• Specialty nonmetallic mineral processing firms