SIC 5052 Coal and Other Minerals and Ores

SIC 5052

This industry is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of coal and coke, metallic ores (such as copper, iron, and lead), and nonmetallic minerals (except crude petroleum). It also includes establishments engaged in the wholesale distribution of precious metal ores (such as gold ore and silver ore).

Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of semifinished precious metals are classified under SIC 5094: Jewelry, Watches, Precious Stones, and Precious Metals. Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of nonmetallic minerals used as construction materials are classified under SIC 5032: Brick, Stone, and Related Construction Materials. Establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of crude petroleum and petroleum products are classified under SIC 5171: Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals.

NAICS CODE(S)

423520

Coal and Other Mineral and Ore Wholesalers

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 497 establishments were classified in this industry in 2004; this figure has declined consistently since the 1980s. The industry employed 3,412 workers who were paid an annual salary of nearly $245 million. Most companies were smaller in size with about 71 percent employing less than 20 employees. They were subdivided into establishments primarily engaged in wholesaling coal and those primarily engaged in wholesaling other minerals and ores. With 67 companies, Pennsylvania led all states with the most establishments, followed by Kentucky (37), Ohio (33), California (31), and West Virginia (29). The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that for the larger metal and mineral (except petroleum) merchant wholesalers industry employment figures declined about 1 percent between 1994 and 2004, but expects an increase from 121,000 to 130,000 workers between 2004 and 2014.

According to Dun & Bradstreet, coal sales were nearly $7.1 billion in 2006 and sales of other minerals and ores nearly $2 billion. Total sales for this industry reached $9 billion in 2006. The majority of industry establishments were merchant wholesalers. Sales by merchant wholesalers, however, typically represented only a third of industry sales. The establishments classified as manufacturer sales branches and offices represented approximately half of industry sales. Agents, brokers, and commission merchants made up the...