Official definition

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities (except geophysical surveying and mapping, site preparation, construction, and transportation activities), on a contract or fee basis, for the mining and quarrying of metallic minerals and for the extraction of metal ores. Exploration for these minerals is included in this industry. Exploration services include traditional prospecting methods, such as taking core samples and making geological observations at prospective sites. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--