Mining and Construction

The mining sector comprises establishments that extract naturally occurring mineral solids, such as coal and ores; liquid minerals, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gas. The term “mining” is used in the broad sense to include quarrying, well operations, beneficiating (i.e., crushing, screening, washing, and flotation), and other preparation customarily performed at the mine site or as a part of mining activity.

The mining sector distinguishes two basic activities: mine operation and mining support activities. Mine operation includes establishments operating mines, quarries, or oil and gas wells on their own account or for others on a contract or fee basis. Mining support activities include establishments that perform exploration (excluding geophysical surveying) and/or other mining services on a contract or fee basis (excluding mine site preparation and construction of oil or gas pipelines).

The construction sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering projects like highways and utility systems. Establishments primarily engaged in the preparation of sites for new construction and establishments primarily engaged in subdividing land for sale as building sites are also included in this sector.

Construction work may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs. Activities of these establishments are generally managed at a fixed place of business, but they usually perform construction activities at multiple project sites. Production responsibilities for establishments in this sector are usually specified as contracts with the owners of construction projects (prime contracts) or as contracts with other construction establishments (subcontracts).