This industry comprises (1) establishments primarily engaged in developing the mine site and/or mining, quarrying, dredging for sand and gravel, or mining clay, (e.g., china clay, paper clay and slip clay), and (2) preparation plants primarily engaged in beneficiating (e.g., washing, screening, and grinding) sand and gravel, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals.

• Calcining, dead burning, or otherwise processing (i.e., beyond basic preparation) clay or refractory minerals--are classified in Industry32799, All Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing;
• Shaping, molding, baking, burning, or hardening nonclay ceramics, clay and nonclay refractories, and structural clay products--are classified in Industry32712, Clay Building Material and Refractories Manufacturing; and
• Shaping, molding, glazing, and firing pottery, ceramics, and plumbing fixtures--are classified in Industry32711, Pottery, Ceramics, and Plumbing Fixture Manufacturing.