This major group includes establishments primarily engaged in exploring, developing, and operating mines that extract metallic minerals (ores). These ores are mined for the valuable metals they contain, which are recovered for use in manufacturing alloys, chemicals, pigments, and other industrial products. The group also covers ore processing operations—such as crushing, grinding, washing, drying, sintering, and flotation—whether performed at mines or separate custom mills. While magnesite, brucite, and crushed dolomite operations are classified elsewhere, all core metal mining and beneficiation activities fall under this major group. Smelting, refining, and the production of primary metals are classified under Manufacturing, Major Group 33.
An establishment is classified in the specific industry group that corresponds to the type of metal ore mined. Exploration performed by property operators is classified based on the expected ore type, while exploration conducted on a contract basis is classified under Industry 1081.
Industry Group 101: Iron Ores
Industry Group 102: Copper Ores
Industry Group 103: Lead and Zinc Ores
Industry Group 104: Gold and Silver Ores
- 1041 Gold Ores
- 1044 Silver Ores
Industry Group 106: Ferroalloy Ores, Except Vanadium
- 1061 Ferroalloy Ores, Except Vanadium
Industry Group 108: Metal Mining Services
- 1081 Metal Mining Services
Industry Group 109: Miscellaneous Metal Ores
- 1094 Uranium-Radium-Vanadium Ores
- 1099 Miscellaneous Metal Ores, Not Elsewhere Classified