Official definition

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing support activities, on a contract or fee basis, for the mining and quarrying of nonmetallic minerals (except fuel) and for the extraction of nonmetallic minerals (except geophysical surveying and mapping, site preparation, construction, and transportation activities). 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--