SIC 1081 Metal Mining Services

Contenidos

• NAICS CODE(S).
• INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT.
• ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE.
• CURRENT CONDITIONS.
• WORKFORCE.
• FURTHER READING.

SIC 1081

This classification covers establishments primarily engaged in performing metal mining services for others on a contract or fee basis, such as the removal of overburden, strip mining for metallic ores, prospect and test drilling, and mine exploration and development. Establishments that have complete responsibility for operating mines for others on a contract or fee basis are classified according to the product mined rather than as metal mining services. Establishments primarily performing hauling services are classified under transportation.

NAICS CODE(S)

213114

Support Activities for Metal Mining

541360

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services

INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT

While most large national and international mining companies retain private divisions specially outfitted for mining services, even the largest companies continue to contract specialty mining services companies for jobs requiring particular expertise, extra speed, or outside consultation. U.S. mining companies account for a little more than one-third of the 325 corporations involved in some aspect of the mining industry, including mineral producers, mineral processors, and equipment manufacturers, as well as engineering firms, consultants, financial institutions, and other companies that supply goods and services to the mining industry.

Newmont Mining Corp. of Tucson, Arizona, is the U.S. leader, with sales of $4.4 billion in 2005. More than half of the corporation's production is derived from operations in North America and South America. Following a 2000 merger under which its main U.S. competitor, Battle Mountain Gold Co., became a subsidiary, Newmont had reserves of 66.5 million ounces of gold (the third highest in the world), 232.8 million ounces of silver, and 6.1 billion pounds of copper.

ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

The metal mining services industry offers a wide range of services. Geographically speaking, the state of Nevada has the most companies engaged in mining services. Most of these companies are small operations engaged in the physical tasks involved in mining, as well as in planning, development, and exploration. Some companies specialize in preparing mine shafts and tunnels, while others offered test boring services. In this age of outsourcing, the metal mining services industry should be growing, but the decline...